Though Little League and other events may be canceled, local children can still enjoy one vestige of summer this year.

The Hartley swimming pool opened Friday, June 19. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a long repair list, it remained shuttered to swimmers prior to last week's opening day.

Manager Pam Mohni said the first week has already been like none other in her 23 years overseeing the local swimming hole. Several new rules are in place for both lifeguards and swimmers to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"My guys are doing well with everything and patrons are doing what they've been asked to do," she said.

Per the Centers for Disease Control and Iowa Department of Public Health, increased hygienic practices and social distancing measures have been implemented at aquatic facilities across the state.

Staff members have their temperatures taken at the start of each shift, and anyone with a temp over 100.4 degrees is to be sent home. The same goes for any employee not feeling well. Facemasks are also required when employees are in close contact with customers and swimmers.

There is also increased cleaning and disinfecting of frequently-touched surfaces and restrooms. Hand sanitizer is available for use at the entrance counter.

Other changes include no concession stand this year and no deck chairs. People are allowed to bring in their own water to drink as well as their own chairs and towels to sit on.

Lifeguards aren't the only ones subject to the 100.4-degree limit. Each patron will be checked with a non-contact forehead thermometer prior to entry. Social distancing is being practiced and enforced, and several signs have been posted throughout the facility to remind everyone about the rules.

Mohni said the requirements have been no bother for local swimmers. The first weekend saw daily attendance range from the low 20s to low 30s.

NICK PEDLEY/SENTINEL-NEWS

The Hartley swimming pool opened on Friday, June 19.

"It was a little bit chilly over the weekend, but they came anyway," she said.

The 11-member lifeguard squad hasn't been too burdened by their new duties, but everyone is still adjusting to the new normal.

"It's definitely different," said second-year lifeguard Brenton Thomas. "It's kind of a pain putting on masks and gloves all the time."