School is out and temperatures are rising. Looking for a great way to beat the heat? Visit the Webster City outdoor pool, which opens Monday for the season. The pool will be open for adult lap swimming from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily and available for open swim from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

“Our main goal is to have a safe, fun summer in terms of both children and adults not hurting themselves or any type of near drowning situation. That is why we go through a lot of different staff training,” said Kent Harfst, Webster City recreation and public grounds director.

“We provide a safe atmosphere for the kids,” Harfst said.

According to Harfst, there are usually nine lifeguards on duty during each shift.

“The lifeguards usually have training about once a week in which they’ll go over a different type of rescue or emergency drill,” explained Harfst.

There is also an Automatic External Defibrillator at the pool in case a situation arises for CPR.

Although it’s a new season for the pool, many former seasonal staff are returning to make this summer a safe and enjoyable one for everyone.

“We’re fortunate to have Morgan Moline back again this year as our pool manager. Morgan does a great job and she has been with the city for many years,” Harfst said.

“It’s a tough job,” said Harfst. “She has to not only make sure the swim users are behaving themselves but she also has to coordinate all the different staff concerns with the lifeguards, concessions staff, maintenance and more.”

There are an estimated 30 part time seasonal employees at the outdoor pool this summer between lifeguards, cashier/concession workers, maintenance workers, and swim team helpers.

A new addition to the outdoor pool is a water heater. The heater will help regulate the pool temperature so that every age can enjoy the water.

“We’re warming up the water now,” said Harfst. “A comfortable goal we have is 80 to 82 degrees, that is what we are shooting for Monday.”

The pool water is tested every two hours to ensure that the pH levels are safe. The city also works closely with Hamilton County Public Health to make sure that the water is disease free and safe for all ages.

As the 2017 season begins, Harfst is excited for the pool to be utilized by the community.

“We’re looking forward to a fun and safe summer,” said Harfst.