Inuvik (July 11/03) - Sedna's Pool opened last week, offering some relief from the heat to Inuvik's swimmers and splashers.

Melissa Hauzer, pool co-ordinator for the Town of Inuvik, has returned for her second year and said the summer swim programs got underway June 30.

The pool offers swimming lessons and the swim team started practising for the annual Beaufort Delta Swim Meet that will be held here at the end of July.

The swim club is open to ages six to 15 years and teaches youth the competitive aspects of swimming.

"We're having practices three nights a week in preparation for the swim meet," Hauzer said. "Aklavik, Tuk and McPherson will all be here for the meet."

"Last year it was held in Aklavik."

The swim lessons are open to children three-years-old and up and they also have adult lessons.

"This year, we have pre-school lessons and that's ages three to five and they are held in the evenings," Hauzer said. "In the afternoon is ages six and up and it's the same program, it's just geared for different ages."

Aqua tots are where parents can get in the pool with their children three years and younger to take lessons together.

The pool also offers adult swimming lessons.

The pool is offering extra time this year to community groups like the day care and the youth centre.

"It's just in preparation to get ready for the new pool opening up," she said. "Just to show different groups what the possibilities are."