KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Monday is the unofficial start to summer!  And that means people will be heading to the swimming pool.    

But many pools have made changes to their drain system to comply with a new law.  New drain covers will help prevent drain suction from trapping children underwater.

“We're now compliant with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act Pool and Spa Safety Act.  We did install clips to our current drain covers that do make them compliant and anti-entrapment.  So there is no worry what-so-ever of anyone getting trapped into our drain systems,” said Recreation Specialist Robin Loft.

Loft says it was much easier and affordable to fix their drains in the indoor and outdoor pool than it has been at other locations.  At the St. Louis county pool, the changes will cost $28,000.  Loft says it cost them under $100.
        
The Kirksville Aquatic Center outdoor pool will open this Saturday weather permitting.  As long as there is no thunder and lightning and it's 70 degrees or above, they will open at noon.

“This year we are celebrating our 10th anniversary.  So it's 10 years of operation and we're very happy to be celebrating that and really excited to see how much things are going to continue to grow for us in the next 10 years.  We will have some special activities closer to our anniversary date on June 20th,” said Loft.

Loft said they've already hired nearly 50 lifeguards to work at the aquatic center and wadding pools around town.

The hours for the outdoor pool are Monday-Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.