As the mercury rises in thermometers around the city and county, the Claude Brown YMCA has a counter-punch in store. Saturday, its pool will officially be open for people eager to escape the elements with a cool dip.

Children 12-and-under and their parents can swim from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. From 2:30-5:30, the pool becomes the domain of the young adults. Pool activities will include relay races, swimming games and a cannonball contest.

“We’re opening the pool and doing some new things,” said Tara Essary, aquatics director for both the Brown and Walker-Johnson YMCA branches. “We’re just wanting the community to come see what’s going on. We’re just inviting the community in.”

The cost is $2 for children 12-and-under, and $3 for everyone else. Monthly pool passes are available for $25 apiece.

The pool was closed for the winter, but two straight days of round-the-clock work have the pool in tip-top shape.

“We’ve been working these last two days,” said Director of Community Development Yasmin McKinney. “We’ve got a vacuum in there now. I’m ready to jump in.”

If swimming is not your forte, several other activities are scheduled for Saturday, including face painting, art projects and food. Jerria Martin Miss Stillman 2009, will be the hostess, and a plaque will be present in honor of the branch’s namesake, Claude C. Brown.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun games and activities,” said McKinney. “With the weather being what it is, it’s great for community.”