For its ninth anniversary, staff at the Stettler Pool, housed within the Stettler Recreation Centre, decided to throw a party with cake, punch, and toonie swims.
On Saturday, Aug. 8, adults and youth were able to go swimming for just a toonie, and enjoy the party-like atmosphere hosted by the pool's staff and lifeguards.
Giant beach balls made an appearance and ended up being lofted about back-and-forth in family games, while others swung from a knotted rope to plunge into the deep end of the pool.
Heather Waye, the assistant aquatic manager at the pool, said the party was the kick-off of a range of activities planned by the pool.
"We're trying to implement some new programs, and we decided the birthday was a good starting point," Waye said.
About 40 people showed up for the event, a number a bit lower than hoped for, but one that still resulted in a lot of fun, Waye noted.
"The birthday party's theme was a beach theme," Waye explained. "We kept those big beach balls, though, because they're super fun."
The current challenge at the pool is called "Swim the Great Lakes," Waye said. It's similar to last year's "Swim the English Channel."
"People keep track of how many lengths they swim and we keep the record here," Waye explained. "Anyone who completes the distance gets a free one-month pass."
Swim the Great Lakes goes on until Sept. 30.
After that, the Oct. 30 Halloween party is planned, though details are still up in the air.
"We hold it on the 30th because most kids want to be out trick or treating on the 31st," Waye noted.
Swim Club will be starting in November, as well.