The Pass Community Pool is inviting swimmers to don a different kind of suit on August 18... A Halloween costume!

The pool is hosting the first ever Halloween party during open swim on August 18 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. where kids are welcome to dress up and participate in a costume contest. There will also be candy, games and prizes, and the pool will be aptly decorated to create a spooky ambiance.

“It’s just to get younger kids into the idea of swimming. It gives them something to do instead of coming and being scared. They can come dressed up and have some fun that way and maybe get more comfortable in the pool setting,” says Morgan Cook, assistant manager at the pool. “It’s just fun for the community, mostly.”

The pool has hosted several themed swims over the summer, like a shark, Hawaiian and an 80s theme.

With a variety of classes, events and swimming opportunities built into the schedule, the pool offers something for everyone.

Perhaps most importantly, beyond just being a fun facility for swimmers, the Pass Community Pool promotes a strong mandate of building confidence and skills in swimmers, and with the majority of their staff being certified instructors, the swimming lessons have been a popular option.

The pool offers both private lessons for $25 per half-hour and semi-private lessons for $18 per half-hour per participant. And for those looking to take their swimming technique to the next level, the Masters class puts swimmers through different drills and focuses on technical swimming.

The Aquafit classes, offered in the evening and morning five times per week, are a great activity for those with limited mobility or joint problems.

“It’s not necessarily for elderly people, but it is more attended by them," says Cook. “It's a slow-paced class in the water that gets you moving. It takes the pressure off and makes it easier to move if you have arthritis or bad knees."

The Pass Community Pool has had a stellar season so far that has already topped last year’s very successful grand reopening.

According to Joey O’Brien, Manager of Community Services, total pool sales for the 2016 season were approximately $44,000, while 2017 sales jumped to $64,000.

To date, this year’s sales are at $70,000 and there is still almost a month to go until the end of the season.

As a municipally-subsidized facility, the increase in usership and revenue means that less municipal funds are required to operate the pool.

“The most important item I would like to point out is the projected municipal contribution for the pool is forecasted to be about $90,000 this year. A year ago, it was forecasted to be $170,000. The difference is a robust business plan for the facility and great leadership delivering this plan by Jared and his team,” says O’Brien, referring to pool manager Jared Koentges.

For more information on the pool schedule, lessons or events, visit www.passpool.ca

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