PORTLAND, Ore. — Since late last week, public pools have been extremely busy, but in the city of Portland, there are also some new rules for those looking to swim in the deep end, including passing a swimming test.
The test is not just for kids — it’s for all swimmers, designed to keep people safe this summer, especially during this latest heat wave.
At Peninsula Outdoor Pool in North Portland, there are signs telling swimmers about the new rules. During open-play swim sessions, all swimmers wanting to swim in the deep end will be required to pass a swim test and wear a wristband showing they passed the test.
According to swimmers who passed the test said, you’re required to swim from the shallow end at three feet to the deep end at eight feet with no help in order to pass.
Centory Christmas, who just signed up his daughter for swimming lessons, said that anything to keep his and other kids safe is a good idea.
“I think any caution we can take to make sure the kids are safe doing aquatic stuff... I think they're good,” said Christmas.
A spokesperson with the Portland Parks and Rec said that safety is its top priority.
The new rules follow last summer, when a girl was found unresponsive in the Montavilla Pool in Northeast Portland. Park officials told KGW that was the first apparent drowning at a Portland pool since 1985.
Now, they are taking measures to make sure another tragedy doesn’t happen again.