GR city pools open; programs offered

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The lifeguards are ready. So are the concession stands.

The pools at Briggs, Martin Luther King Jr. and Richmond Parks, now open for the season, offer open swimming, swim lessons, scuba, water polo and water aerobics classes.

As the recent spate of drownings indicates, it's important to know how to swim. The Center for Disease Control says one out of five drownings involve kids 14 years old or younger.

There are several efforts to change those numbers, including the lessons offered at the city pools. If your family can't afford them, scholarships are available through the city.

"The best thing you can do is teach them the basics so they can survive if they happen to fall into a pool without the great lifeguards here at the city pools watching them," said pool manager Amy Tefft. "At least they can be able to survive until someone can get them out."

The city put the schedule for each pool's activity and scholarship applications on their Parks and Rec website. Pools are also available for private party rentals by calling 616.456.3662.