Free summer swimming Published July 21, 2014 By Senior Airman Stephanie Morris Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- As the summer season reaches its peak here, Airmen and their families may begin looking for affordable ways to beat the heat. This year Outdoor Recreation is offering an opportunity to do just that. The outdoor pool is free for anyone with base access and remains open through early September, or the onset inclement weather. "I love that the pool is free this year," said Kristie Mabie, a resident of Minot Air Force Base. "It makes it worth coming out for just an hour or two." The base pool and the lifeguards who work there now fall under appropriated funds, as opposed to years past when they were under non-appropriated funds. This allows the pool to be free of charge, said Ramon Benavides, Outdoor Recreation lifeguard. Benavides has been a lifeguard for four years, three of which he has worked on Minot. Since the pool is no longer able to charge admission, certain events such as the "Dive and Jive" and swimming classes will not be offered this summer, said Benavides. "Swimming lessons will resume this fall," Benavides explained. "This summer will be only free swim and lap." Another change is how parties are booked at the base pool. Individuals can still host parties, however, they can only be held during public swim hours and the pool staff is not available to assist with planning or set up. Though some things at the pool are different this year, one thing that hasn't changed is the lifeguards. Many of the base lifeguards have worked at Minot for several years, to include Chloe Rickards who now watches over swimmers in the same pool she frequented as a child. "My father is in the Air Force and I have been going to the base pools since I was a kid," said Rickards. "Being a lifeguard lets me meet all kinds of interesting kids, stay outside all day, and swim -- which I love." The lifeguards at the base pool not only love their job, but are also dedicated to ensuring every swimmer is safe. "All the lifeguards have Red Cross training, and we also have our CPR certificates," said Benavides. In addition to being monitored by trained lifeguards, the base pool is also regularly tested to ensure proper levels of chemicals in the water, and prevent the spread of any illnesses. "Pool chemicals are tested every hour," said Benavides. "Tests involve the staff, and 5th Civil Engineer Squadron, testing the chemical levels in water samples to ensure proper safety and sanitation." If you want to visit the pool this year, it is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for lap swim, and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. for open swim. Weekend hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for open swim. Before visiting the outdoor pool, remember sunscreen must be applied 30 minutes prior to swimming to avoid clogging pool filters and drains. Also, hair past shoulder length must be tied back in a ponytail or bun. All other posted rules, and those verbalized by lifeguards, must be followed while at the pool. Swimmers ages 11 to 12 may swim by themselves once they've passed a swim test. Tests are conducted any day during open swim hours by one of the on-duty life guards and do not require a reservation. Swimmers 13 and up do not require a swim test. Swimmers 18 and above need to present one identification card per group and swimmers 17 and under must each present an ID when not chaperoned by an adult. For more information, call 701-723-3388.