Austin Parks & Recreation extends weekend pool hours

AUSTIN, Texas - Austin Parks and Recreation’s Aquatics Division says as it continues to replenish lifeguard staffing levels affected by the pandemic, pool access is increasing.

On July 11, all open pools will add one more day to their schedule, a Saturday or a Sunday, so pools currently in operation will be open for both days on the weekend, and pools will be open five days a week instead of four. This includes Barton Springs Pool and all open city pool facilities.

PARD says two additional pools, Civitan and Dottie Jordan, will open on July 9 and 11, respectively.

"There were many obstacles in the way of opening pools and hiring lifeguards this summer including the yearlong hiring freeze due to the pandemic, reduced training capacity due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols, and fewer experienced lifeguards on the roster. Aquatics staff will continue to hire and train lifeguards on an ongoing basis to maintain staffing levels at year-round pools, and in anticipation of next summer," said the department in a press release.