With an islandwide shortage of lifeguards and a barrage of criticism being launched at community pools that are staying open with a minimal staff, there was a fear that the Mineola Pool would have to drastically shorten its hours as its lifeguards returned to their respective schools. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of pool directors Kyle Teemsma and Debbie Faller the effect will not be as severe as first anticipated.

Teemsma and Faller have been able to create a schedule that keeps the pool open for a longer period of time. The new hours of operation are now between 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day from Sunday, Aug. 23 to Sunday, Aug. 30.

Last week, before the most recent announcement, there was a real sense of regret at the Mineola pool as the staff posted the new pool hours. Based upon the availability of the lifeguards the new hours posted that day announced that the pool would be open on Sunday, Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekdays, beginning Monday, Aug. 24 to Friday, Aug. 28, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Then on the following weekend of Aug. 29 and 30, the pool would be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

"We have exhausted every possibility trying to keep the pool open for more than these hours, but it is just not possible," said Village Activities Coordinator Angelo Scuccimarri a week and a half ago.

The pool staff searched for additional lifeguards in Nassau County Certification classes and even held classes of their own at the Mineola pool, but no eligible parties could be found for the end of this season.

The problem comes as a result of the late arrival of Labor Day and the schools opting to start their activities, and in some cases their classes, earlier than in summers past.

The Mineola lifeguard staff is a qualified and well-respected staff of young adults according to Faller, ironically for this reason, the pool faces the current dilemma. All these talented young men and women must return to their various activities, that have helped distinguish them as exceptional employees.

The staff of roughly 24 will be cut in half, so in good conscience the pool could not remain open.

Furthermore according to standards used by the county of Nassau, there must be a minimum of five lifeguards on premises and to keep the pool, the kiddie pool and the first aid station open there would have to be seven lifeguards on duty thus making it difficult to run a pool seven days a week on a cut staff.

"We did not want to run on the absolute minimum for the safety of our swimmers," said Faller.

That seemed to be the end of it until an excited phone call from Teemsma told the Mineola American to hold the release announcing those original cuts in operation hours because plans were in the works to keep the pool open for as long as possible.

Again the new hours of operation are now between 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day from Sunday, Aug. 23 to Sunday, Aug. 30.

Though the pool directors would prefer to keep the pool open for the entire intended schedule, they are keeping the pool open for as long as they can.

More information will be forthcoming, but anyone who has a question can contact the Village Recreation Department at 746-0750.