JACKSONVILLE, Fla – With Memorial Day weekend temperatures hitting the 90s, Jacksonville residents may be anxious for a quick and easy way to cool off.
City pools opened for business Saturday, providing a free opportunity for people to swim and have some fun.
Safety is a priority for the city pools. For every 25 children, the city says it has two lifeguards on staff, which is higher than the Red Cross standard.
"Lifeguards are required to complete a 30-hour training. It's a week-long process," said Willie Coates, aquatic supervisor for the city.
He said they teach lifeguard candidates everything from basic skills to CPR, first aid and how to operate a defibrillator.
Cotes does recommend parents keep an eye on their kids and not rely solely on the lifeguards.
Until June 1 the pools are open weekends only. The full season begins June 7, when the kids are out of school.
Over the Memorial Day weekend you can swim from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. except on Sunday, when pool hours are from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information on hours, locations, and free swimming lessons, you can visit the city of Jacksonville's website.