Edna pool closed due to lifeguard shortage

The Edna City Pool was closed on Wednesday for the second day in a row. The pool is managed by the YMCA of the Golden Crescent. Citing a shortage of lifeguards, CEO Bud Oliver said the pool will reopen Thursday at its normal hours. Longtime pool manager Ken Barton recently resigned and the YMCA has been managing the pool while trying to find a replacement. Oliver said the youth sports and aquatics director, Ethan Carrasco, will be managing the pool in the interim. "My number one concern is safety," Oliver said. "We are required to run our pools to the level the YMCA expects and our insurance requires. We want to make sure it is a safe and fun environment." He said they are working on getting certified instructors so they can offer swim lessons, as required by their contract with the city. "We want to make sure we are taking care of the people in Edna," he added. Oliver said that information on the Edna pool can be found at the YMCA's Facebook page, and he will provide the information for the Jackson County Herald-Tribune to keep the community informed. For more information or questions regarding the city pool, call Oliver at 575-0511.