Pools open, and it’s f-f-f-fun

The pools are open and swimmers are ready.

For one group of siblings, waiting in line more than half an hour before open swim at Witter Pool was just good planning.

“We get the good spots in line,” 11-year-old Zacharia Martinez said Monday, opening day for city of Spokane pools. Pools operated by the city of Spokane Valley and one Spokane County pool also are open.

Martinez and his siblings showed up early to avoid getting stuck at the end of the line. His family swims at the pool every summer, and with the cable out at his grandmother’s house, Martinez said going to the pool is a fun substitute for television.

Swimming at the outdoor pool keeps them busy. “I’m usually bored,” said 12-year-old Kate Herron, who joined the Martinez brothers on opening day.

Any level of swimmer is welcome.

“I only know how to doggy paddle,” said 9-year-old Sapphire Humphrey, who accompanied her brother to the pool, though he wasn’t happy about it.

“I had to bring her because I got in trouble,” said Sapphire’s brother Nash Teal, 14, who usually swims about three times a week with friends.

The pools are one of the best things about summer in Spokane, said Sue Dills a swimmer in the Spokane Club Masters. Dills, a lifelong swimmer, does laps every day at Witter Pool.

But the city also needs winter pools and more emphasis on high school swim teams, she said.

“Spokane is really lacking when it comes to swimming,” Dills said.

The city of Spokane recently conducted a telephone poll for the city Parks Department that found taxpayers would be willing to pay higher taxes to renovate outdoor pools and build a new year-round indoor aquatics center. Park officials said they will likely ask voters to approve a bond measure for pools this year or next after they get results from a study showing options for a bond with estimated costs.

Swimming lessons offered at the city of Spokane pools are full, with waiting lists.

“If we have enough instructors and room we may open more classes,” said Sarah Ranson, aquatics supervisor.

Registration for lessons at the county pools begins Thursday. The sessions cost $30 per child per two-week session.

In Spokane Valley, registration has begun for swimming lessons and must be done at the pools. Classes cost $25 per two-week session.

Lap swimming hours at Holmberg Pool may start at 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. if there is enough interest, said Caitie Couper, of the Spokane County Department of Parks and Recreation.