Making summer waves at Ruidoso's pool

• Season passes are available and help cut cost

Ruidoso's municipal pool on Sudderth Drive was churning with swimmers Friday,  enjoying the cool water on a warm summer day in the mountains.

The pool is open from 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., seven days a week, weather permitting. Admission is $4 for swimming only and $8 for swimming and the flume slide. Children three and under are free. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult..

Swimming lessons began the second week of June and filled up quickly, Melissa Haynes, Parks and Recreation administrative assistant, said.

"We added a couple of extra water baby classes and they also filled up," she said. "We're at capacity for swim lessons."

Season passes are available.

"If you're going to the pool more than a couple of times with a family, and they're all going to slide, that's going to be $40 to $50 each time," Haynes said, "We offer season passes, swim only, and swim and slide for individuals and for families."

A season pass for an individual just for swimming is $60. All prices are subject to gross receipts taxes. An individual with slide is $90; a family without a slide is $135; and a family with slide is $210. The family pass covers immediate family only up to five people. Any number over that, an additional $20 can be paid for each person added to the family pass, Haynes said.

Seven life guards and three cashiers work at the pool supervised by a village recreation supervisor and one recreation coordinator alternating daily.

"We also offer after-hours swim parties if someone wants to rent the pool for a party," Haynes said. "The price is $200 plus tax for up to 40 people. Over 40 is $5 per person up to 60 people, because we have to schedule more lifeguards."

The parties run from from 6 pm. to 8 p.m. The recreation office needs a week's notice to book and arrange lifeguards, she said. For morei information or to book a party, call the office at 257-5030 or the pool at 257- 2795.