The Fort Myers Aquatic Center is a great way to cool off during the hot summer! The pool is heated in the winter and chilled in the summer —and maintains a comfortable temperature of 83 degrees. The Kiddie Pool and Slides are open on the weekends only, Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm. 

Weekend fees are Adult (18+) $5.00, Children (3-17) $4.00. During the weekdays, the lap pool only is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays from 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 6 am to 5 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sundays from 12 pm to 5pm.

Currently, there are no lessons offered at the Aquatic Center, but that may change, as may the pool hours, so check the website or call during office hours of 8 am to 5 pm, at 239-321-7565 or 239-321-7553.

Plan your visit: The City of Fort Myers Aquatic Center, Sam Fleishman Regional Sports Complex, 1750 Matthew Drive, Fort Myers, 239-321-7553, https://www.cityftmyers.com/aquatics

For another place to cool off, check out the pool at the Sanibel Recreation Center. The lap pool is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Plan your visit: Sanibel Recreation Center 3880 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, (239) 472-0345, https://www.mysanibel.com/government/recreation2

Looking for lessons? 

On June 20, SunSplash Family Water Park offers the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson .

“Your child will learn basic water safety skills and swim techniques from our certified lifeguards!” explains Hollie Reed, Administrative Manager. The class takes place one hour before the park opens. The class is free, but online registration is required ahead of time. Free parking. SunSplash Family Waterpark, 500 W Lake Kennedy Dr., Cape Coral, 239-574-0558, www.sunsplashwaterpark.com.

Why Learn to Swim? 

Learning to swim is vital to your child’s safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ages four and older learn to swim. Even if they know how to swim, taking a lesson is a good refresher. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children, and learning to swim can be crucial to prevention. They also state that In the United States:

More children ages 1–4 die from drowning than any other cause of death.

For children ages 5–14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes.

Other places to look for swim lessons are local YMCAs with locations in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs, and Lee County Public Pools with locations in North Fort Myers, Pine Island, San Carlos, Lehigh Acres. Find out more at https://www.leegov.com.