Raynna Pratt waded on the steps of the shallow end of the Brown YMCA pool, reaching out to friends for support with swimming. She is still learning to swim.

“I wanted to come to the pool because I had to swim,” Raynna said. “You’ve got to swim.”

Visiting the pool is a favorite summer activity for Quintell Dudley as well.

“My favorite thing at the pool is to swim,” Quintell said.

The Claude C. Brown YMCA pool opened for the summer June 7. It will be open Monday through Friday from noon until 1 p.m. for YMCA summer camp children and from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. for the general public. Other summer camps can also reserve hours beyond normal pool hours for camp usage.

Admission is $2 for children and $3 for adults.

Lifeguard Teal Cabe reminds children and adults to follow pool rules and bring proper attire, such as towels.

The facility will also provide life jackets and kickboards for children.

“The biggest issue we have here is people running and trying to dive in the shallow end and rough and boisterous play,” Cabe said.

The pool staff will also strictly enforce two new rules.

“You have to have a bathing suit with a mesh lining in it and water shoes to get in here,” Cabe said. “This pool has rough patches and people have been cutting their feet.”

The YMCA will be open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Summer hours will end Aug. 7.

For more information, contact the Brown YMCA at 872-1496.