To the editor:

I would like to question Mr. Vance’s comments (Public Forum, Sept. 5) that the lack of lifeguards after the start of school is the reason for closing the pool prior to Labor Day.

Several days before the start of Labor Day weekend, I attended a private swimming party at the Outdoor Aquatic Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The facility was fully staffed with lifeguards as well as on-site supervisory personnel. It seems reasonable to think that the same staff could have been available two days later to work the Labor Day weekend.

Was the pool area staffed with lifeguards and personnel for the “Pooch Plunge”? How much in pool admission fees did we lose to surrounding area pools by not being open?

I do not have much faith that the city will be able to build and maintain a multi-million-dollar recreation center based on the management of our existing facilities.