In a town nearly surrounded by water, it’s hard to imagine Crescent City residents have had trouble finding a place to swim.Nevertheless, since the Fred Endert Municipal Pool closed more than a year ago due to both financial issues and a COVID shutdown, that’s been the case. That looks to change, though, when the pool reopens on April 12.Recently hired aquatics supervisor, Alissa Garcia, said the pool reopening is vital because it provides a versatile space for the community.#placement_573654_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid573654 = window.pid573654 || rnd;var plc573654 = window.plc573654 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=573654;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid573654+';place='+(plc573654++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');“It’s fun, it’s recreational, it promotes a healthy lifestyle. And, who doesn’t have fond memories at a swimming pool?” Said Garcia. In addition to a recreational space, the pool provides a comfortable environment for learning water safety, which is especially important in an area with rough ocean, large lakes and wild rivers, she added.However, the reopening comes with its fair share of COVID restrictions, meaning the pool’s versatility will be temporarily hampered. In fact, the pool can only open for scheduled, individual or family swimming lessons until Del Norte county is moved down from the “substantial” red tier to the lesser “moderate” orange tier. Other restrictions include limited use of locker rooms, limited class sizes and swim instructors teaching from the pool deck, rather than being in the water with the students.When the county is dropped to the orange tier classification, other programs and activities will open up at the pool, including lap swimming, exercise, aerobics, Master’s Swim Club and physical therapy.Holly Wendt, recreation director of Crescent City, said the pool was able to stay afloat financially through Measure S funds. Measure S is the one-cent sales tax voters strongly approved last Nov. to help fund city services.“The most amazing thing is the community came together and said this aquatic recreation is very important to them,” said Wendt. As the only indoor pool in the area, many people rely on the swimming lessons provided in Crescent City, she added.“To be able to open it up, and be able to get all of our lifeguards recertified, and get kids swimming again before summer hits, and get lessons going, is really important,” said Wendt.The class schedule, as well as registration for lessons will come online March 24, and can be found at: www.crescentcity.org/departments/SwimmingPool. Call Alissa Garcia at 707-464-9503 for any questions about the pool. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });