Here's where and when you can cool off in Augusta area public pools

Alexandra Koch, Augusta Chronicle
FILE - Children run and jump through the water of the splash pad at Columbia County's annual Summer Beach Blast at Evans Towne Center Park in Evans, GA on Saturday, June 3, 2023.
FILE - Children run and jump through the water of the splash pad at Columbia County's annual Summer Beach Blast at Evans Towne Center Park in Evans, GA on Saturday, June 3, 2023.

Augusta is already heating up and locals may be wondering where they can take a dip and cool off.

USA Today reported an early forecast shows summer 2024 is set to be unusually hot across most of the country.

In a summer forecast map released April 18 by NOAA, Georgia and South Carolina were shaded in orange, meaning 40-50% warmer temperatures are expected for June, July and August.

Many private pools have already opened, but others are waiting until Memorial Day weekend. Some have yet to announce their opening dates.

The YMCA, one of the country's leading providers of swim lessons and water safety instruction reminds swimmers and parents to heed the following safety tips:

  • Only swim when and where there is a lifeguard on duty; never swim alone

  • Adults should be constantly and actively watching their children

  • Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket

  • Parents or guardians of young children should be within an arm's reach

  • Children and adults should not engage in breath-holding activities

Here is a list, in chronological order, of Augusta area outdoor pool openings:

Children relax in the shallow end of the Courtyard Pool at Fort Eisenhower.
Children relax in the shallow end of the Courtyard Pool at Fort Eisenhower.

May 24 – Fort Eisenhower Courtyard Pool and Spray Park

The Fort Eisenhower Outdoor Pool and Spray Park at the Courtyard opens on May 24.

Visitors without a DoD ID card will need to get a visitor’s pass at the Gate 6 Visitor Center to visit the facility.

Fort Eisenhower officials said the MWR Team will publish updated pool and spray park information to its homepage shortly.

Information on getting a visitor's pass for MWR facilities can be found on the MWR's site as well.

The park offers:

  • 20 water features

  • Slides and diving boards

  • Bell-shaped kiddie pool

  • Beach front entry to pool

  • Tents for shade and a covered patio for eating

  • 3-tiered deck for sun bathing

Lifeguard David Williams keeps an eye on the children as they swim at the Wilson Family YMCA in Augusta. [MIKE ADAMS/SPECIAL]
Lifeguard David Williams keeps an eye on the children as they swim at the Wilson Family YMCA in Augusta. [MIKE ADAMS/SPECIAL]

May 25 – All Augusta area YMCA locations

All of the Augusta area YMCA locations open their outdoor pools and water parks on May 25.

Locations include:

June 3 – Aiken County Recreation Center

The Aiken County Recreation Center pool at 917 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Graniteville, S.C. opens on June 3.

The facility includes a pool, two outside basketball courts, two playground areas, a picnic area, a multi-purpose room and a birthday party room.

June 12 – City of Aiken Public Pool at Smith-Hazel

The City of Aiken Public Pool at Smith-Hazel, located at 416 Kershaw St. NE, is open from June 12 to July 23 on weekdays and from July 29 to Sept. 3 on weekends.

The facility has one 5-foot deep pool with certified lifeguards, according to its website. Any children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a swimming adult.

'More than just a building': Augusta officials break ground for new fire station

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta area pool openings 2024

Advertisement