DIXON, CA (MPG) - With record-breaking temperatures roasting anyone outdoors and the shutdown of most local fitness centers, we can all agree this is not a good time to keep the public pool closed. However there is hope for some students since the Dixon Dolphins are negotiating with the City of Dixon to run the pool for their swim team. Unfortunately, there is slim to none hope that lap swim for adults will resume this season.

"It is a very large amount of money to fund the Lap Swim," said Recreation Manager Jean Houseman, who handles the business of the Pat Granucci Aquatic Center. "We discussed that with the Dixon Dolphins and they really did not want to." But, she said, they are very close to reaching an agreement and they plan to "move forward very soon" after last week's City Council meeting where there was a unanimous vote to allow the Dixon Dolphins to run their swim program at the pool.

Originally, the Parks and Recreation Commission voted on August 5, to "Reopen the competition pool for Lap Swim run by the City and allow use by the local non-profit swim club." But, after much discussion by the City Council last week and a PowerPoint presentation by Deputy Public Works Director Lauren Kotow, the Council decided to break that recommendation into two separate issues.

To move the plan to allow a nonprofit use of the pool specifically in this case the Dixon Dolphins, there were COVID-related requirements that would include Porta-potties, different hours of operation, and determination of who would hire and train lifeguards.

"Dolphins are moving forward to be able to offer our fall program to our families," said Ada Barros, Dolphins President. They will have to provide their own lifeguards so are scheduling some of the coaches to receive certification now. They will also need to get new insurance coverage for the lifeguards.

"Because of the additional liability, we will not be offering anything above and beyond what we normally would for our fall season," she said. "In fact, we will not be conducting swim assessments which means we probably won't be able to take on new swimmers who do not have swim team experience."

On the other issue of Lap Swim, the costs of it when run by the City of Dixon would be too much for the short hours of availability plus the fact that only a small number of people would be able to use the lanes at a time. That second item was tabled for now.

The Dixon Dolphins will be posting on Facebook and advertise on social media when registration becomes open.

The group normally has 75-80 participants and about 50 families have responded that they are interested this fall.

"Depending on how COVID goes, spring might look very different from fall." Barros said.