High energy prices force end to swim program

POWELL, Wyo. (AP) - High natural gas prices have put an end to an infant and preschool swimming program. School district officials have ordered the district's pool temperature reduced to 79 degrees, said Pat Slater, director of the Powell Recreation District.

That's three degrees below the Red Cross recommended minimum of 82-degree water with surrounding air no cooler than 85 degrees.

The reason for the minimum is the tendency of infants and young children to lose body temperature quickly, he told the Powell Tribune.

"I just can't put them in there," Slater said.

The lower temperature will be uncomfortable for older adults, too, he said.

The school district provides facilities to the public at no charge and with skyrocketing natural gas prices, school officials had no choice but to lower the pool temperature to save money, he said.

Although the preschool program has been canceled, the pool will be available to older children and adults for lessons and open swimming this summer, Slater said.

The district will provide wet suits for instructors because of the long periods they are required to be in the water, he said.

http://www.trib.com/HOMENEWS/WYO/CoolPool.html

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), April 12, 2001