TID encourages safe swimming with free pool passes

Updated: June 1, 2012, 2:29 p.m.

Many Turlockers are turning to the summer pastime of swimming to ward away rising temperatures.

But swimming in rivers can be dangerous, the Turlock Irrigation District says, and no one should ever swim in canals.

To encourage more children to cool off in safety, the district as begun its annual Pool Pass Program. The program offers a free pass to most participating area pools for children age 17 and under.

The free pool passes are available at TID offices in Turlock, Ceres, or Patterson, as well as at most participating pools. Children must be accompanied by an adult to receive a pass, which will admit one child age 17 or under to a participating pool during an open swim period.

TID’s offices can be found in Turlock at 333 E. Canal Dr., Mondays through Fridays, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; in Ceres at 2944 3rd St., Mondays through Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and in Patterson at 34 N. 3rd St., from Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed 1 p.m. to 2 p.m..

Participating Pools:

Ceres High Pool

June 22 - Aug.4; Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Columbia Pool (Turlock)

Beginning June 16; Mondays through Thursdays, 12:45 to 3 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from

12 noon to 5 p.m.

Delhi Community Pool

June 9 - Aug. 5; Tuesdays through Sundays, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m.

Hilmar Community Pool

Beginning June 8; daily from 1 to 4 p.m.

The Salvation Army Red Shield (Modesto)

May 21 to Aug. 31; Mondays through Fridays, 1 to 3 p.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.