Charles City pool open to dog-paddlers on season’s final night Sunday

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

Call it the Doggy Dip, the PAWS Plunge, Fido’s Float – whatever the name, it’s happening Sunday, Aug. 13, on the last day that the Charles City municipal swimming pool at Lions Field Park will be open for the season.

The Pup Paddle, or Water Woofers, or Doggo Divers event – is an opportunity for humans and their favorite four-legged friends to share a swim before the pool is drained and cleaned for the season. It has become a popular fundraiser for PAWS Humane Society in Charles City, which is the recipient for entry fees charged Sunday evening.

The Canine Cannonballers, or Hydro Hounds, or Wagging Waders – will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Dog admittance is $2 each and humans are $1 each.

The Maritime Mutts, or Swimming Sniffers, or Barky Backstrokers (OK, that’s enough) – must be friendly to people and to other dogs, and must be up to date on their rabies and distemper vaccinations, according to information from PAWS.

Tyler Mitchell, the director of the Charles City Parks and Recreation Department, said the pool is closing this weekend because most of the lifeguards are involved in high school fall sports and practices are beginning, so there isn’t enough guard staff available to keep the pool open.