Maybe There Will Be A Solution to Open Bangor’s Dakin Pool

A rite of summer. And a joy. Taking the kids on a hot day to the pool for some diversion.

Especially in the thick of summer. What is the latest with the Bangor Brewer pools?

Bangor's Pancoe Aquatic Center opened yesterday. The real news is the announcement recently that Dakin Pool will not open this year. But hold on.

The announcement that Dakin would not open was because of staffing issues. Bangor Parks and Recreation Department are having issues attracting lifeguards.

At Monday night's Bangor City Council meeting residents spoke up with possible solutions to avoid keeping Dakin Pool closed this summer. Ideas include closing Pancoe for part of the day and opening Dakin. Or alternating days of operation at both pools.

Maine Sen. Joe Baldacci was at the meeting and suggested raising wages for lifeguards might help to fill the need and attract more of them this summer.

So maybe the issue is not final and a solution will be found to open Dakin pool, at least for part of the time.

Here’s the link for jobs.

Been a lifeguard in the past? Thinking maybe it is something I would be good at, and enjoy this summer? Normally Bangor Parks and Rec has at least a couple dozen lifeguards for the summer, and so far they don't have that many or enough yet.

Bangor pools are Beth Pancoe Municipal Aquatic Center located at 175 13^th Street.

And Dakin Pool. 380 Pine Street.

Over to Brewer and the Brewer Municipal Pool, 318 Wilson Street.

Brewer Parks and Recreation reported last month that the first scheduled swimming lessons are Monday, June 27^th.  And they announced that will be their opening day as well.

Brewer offers numerous levels of swimming lessons and offers them on different days. Here’s where you can get details. 

Brewer Parks and Rec is also in need of lifeguards. They will only be open on weekdays if they can't get more lifeguards hired.

Enjoy the summer. Everybody into the pool. That's cool.