Albert-Oakland pool to reopen for Memorial Day Weekend, as officials remind residents of safe practices

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia announced in a press release Wednesday, that the Albert-Oakland pool in Columbia will open its doors for Memorial Day Weekend beginning Saturday.

The pool, is set to be open through Monday, from noon until 5 p.m. each evening. It will then close following the Memorial Day Weekend schedule and is set to reopen on Wednesday for the summer season.

Residents looking to get outdoors for the holiday weekend will have other options as well, as Stephens Lake, Flat Branch and Douglass parks all opened on May 1.

Columbia officials are reminding those celebrating to do so safely, with Boone County Fire Spokesman Gale Blomenkamp, reminding residents of some safe practices.

"If you're going to go floating if you're going to go out on the water, don't go alone. That's probably one of the biggest things, make sure people know where you're at make sure people know when you're supposed to be back," Blomenkamp said. "One of the biggest things we face is alcohol and water, they don't really mix. It's hard to tell people not to do it because that's what they're going to do, but you've got to have that responsible adult there to make sure everyone is being safe."

At the same time, national organizations are echoing the message of safety during the holiday weekend. The Red Cross issued a press release, with guidance on safe practices. The organization recommends avoiding unsupervised access to water and learning basic first-aid and CPR.

The Red Cross added guidance on what to do if someone is drowning, urging residents not to jump in after someone who is drowning. Instead, one should reach out to the person drowning, or throw something to them.

One person drowned, during the 2021 Memorial Day Weekend counting period for the Missouri State Highway Patrol.