Incirlik welcomes warm weather with a splash

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Rose Richeson
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  New Year's resolutions of getting back into shape can be tested when you join Outdoor Recreation in kicking off summer 2007 at the Incirlik Pool opening event April 16.

"The base pool opens just early enough in the year when people are dying for lap swim," said Chris Whitener, Incirlik's ODR director.

Lap swimmers will not have to wait any longer to get their water fix. Beginning April 16, swimming pool hours of operation start with lap swim ever weekday from 6 to 6:45 a.m. and again from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

For those who've met their resolution goals and are looking for some time to relax poolside or just enjoy recreation swim, open swim hours will be offered from 1 to 6 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Before swimmers can take advantage of pool time, they first must purchase a pass which can be done through ODR or at the front counter at the pool. Incirlik offers season and monthly passes with prices ranging from $165 to $35. Daily passes can be purchased at the pool's main entrance.

With 14 lifeguards and six different levels of swim lessons, the Incirlik pool agenda is based on community service and caters to all base residents. More than 500 children base-wide are trained each year in the 25-meter pool which offers eight separate swim lanes and two diving boards.

Ilhan Savtur, Incirlik Pool manager, trains U.S. and Turkish lifeguards here and focuses on the water activity tests as well as English language skills. All of the pool's lifeguards are certified through the American Red Cross and have been trained in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Trained lifeguards can apply for a job through the 39th Services Squadron Non-Appropriated Funds office.

For those who can't make it to the pool until later in the day, Incirlik ODR is thinking of you. The pool schedules family nights every Tuesday and Thursday with open swim from 6 to 8 p.m. Also available in the evenings are water aerobics courses, another way to get or stay in shape, three nights a week. Plus, the base pool is constantly thinking of new and fun ways to keep you happy and healthy, so look for announcements for possible open-play water polo sessions offered once or twice weekly later in the season.

In order to keep you energized, the base pool snack bar is fully stocked and two large grills are on hand for cookouts with prior coordination through ODR. Patrons can also schedule private pool parties Friday through Monday by contacting the pool staff.
In order to play hard and stay safe this year, all pool patrons should follow these safety tips from Mr. Savtur before taking a dip:

If there is no lifeguard on duty, don't get in the water.

Make sure that you're in a shaded area between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., the hottest part of the day.

Apply sunscreen regularly when exposed to direct sun.

Follow all of the rules and regulations that are posted and listen to instructions given by the lifeguard on duty.

Remember, "Water is dangerous if you aren't prepared," said Mr. Savtur.

Incirlik's swim season lasts from April 16 to Oct. 31. For more information, call ODR at 676-6044, or the pool's front desk at 676-3442.