Rainy conditions have affected outdoor activities at the pool in Hilliard.
Hilliard Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Malucci teaches swim classes.
The regular class schedule was extended due to frequent afternoon thunderstorms that halt swim time in the pool.
“It just closes down if it’s too heavy,” Malucci said. “The main thing is thunder and lightning. If we see it, we close down for 30 minutes or longer.”
The pool is considered safe to reopen when there hasn’t been thunder or lightning for 30 minutes. If either again occurs, then the 30-minute wait time starts again.
Mom Jessica Felch said showers have adjusted son Mason’s swim lessons.
“We missed two days because of the rain,” she said Friday. “We’re going to make them up next week.”
Mason Felch and Garrett Steele attend 40-minute swim lessons Monday through Friday. They’re offered in two-week sections that may be extended if necessary to assist students.
“They love it,” Jessica Felch said. “They’ll be sad when it’s over, but it gives them the foundation and coverage – it takes the fear away.”
As of May 16 rains have fallen consistently in Nassau, with 11 of 15 days with rain since June 1, according to National Weather Service Meteorologist Andrew Sashy.
“Most of the days have seen rain of more than 1 inch,” he said, adding most of the rain occurs between 2 and 5 p.m.
Area residents are likely to experience higher than normal rain chances this week.
“We typically don’t see that higher number in June,” Sashy said. “Typically we see it into July, August and September.”
Portions of Nassau County have generally received 8 to 12 inches of rain, while parts of Yulee and Fernandina Beach have experienced 15 to 17 inches.
Despite the weather, swim classes, a Silver Sneakers class and open pool sessions have resulted in morning fun for participants of all ages.
Malucci takes the rain in stride, as do the summer employees who work poolside.
Lifeguard Jacob Wesson said it has rained about two or three days out of the week, keeping residents away until the weather clears.
“It really just depends on the day,” he said. “After it rains, then once it gets hot, people show up.”
He plans to work the remainder of the summer before heading back to Hilliard Middle-Senior High School for his senior year.
He especially likes one perk that goes with the job.
“Being able to get in the water after a hot day and cool down, basically,” he said.
Working as the parks and recreation director gives Malucci pool time and brings back memories of his childhood.
“I learned to swim in a community pool,” he said. “I didn’t have a pool.”
He said the Hilliard pool provides summer activities for all, adding, “It helps bring the family together too, because it’s not expensive and it gets them outside.”