Season Extended For Public Pool In Alexandria Amid Heat Wave

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Amid a heat wave bringing heat indexes of 100 degrees or more, Alexandria is keeping one of its public pools open for an extended season.

While many pools close after Labor Day weekend, Old Town Pool at 1609 Cameron St. remains open. Citing high temperatures through the end of the week, city government said Old Town Pool will be open Tuesday to Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 is expected to be the last day of the season.

The other two outdoor public pools — Warwick Pool and Memorial Pool — are closed for the season.

Another option for swimming is Chinquapin Park Recreation Center's Rixse Pool at 3210 King St., which is open daily from 6 a.m to 9 p.m. but will be closed on Saturday due to the Tons of Trucks event. The Potomac Yard Park fountain at 2501 Potomac Ave. could remain open until mid-October.

City government also has several cooling centers open for residents needing relief from the heat:

• Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe St.): 9 a.m - 9 p.m.
• Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center (25 W. Reed Ave.): 9 a.m - 9 p.m.
• Lee Center (1108 Jefferson St.): 9 a.m - 7 p.m.
• Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Ave.): 9 a.m - 9 p.m.
• Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Ave.): 9 a.m - 9 p.m.
• William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Ave.): 9 a.m - 9 p.m.

Alexandria and the rest of the region are under a heat advisory from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Heat indexes will reach between 100 and 105, according to the National Weather Service. High index values are typically the result of high temperatures combined with humidity.

Heat indexes at or above 100 degrees are again possible Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Prolonged exposure to excessive heat can cause heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion, cramps, or heat stroke. A heat-related illness can result from the body heating too quickly and not being able to properly cool itself or through dehydration or sweating. Heat stroke is considered a medical emergency warranting a 911 call. Symptoms of heat stroke include throbbing headache; confusion; nausea; dizziness; body temperature above 103 degrees; hot, red, dry or damp skin; rapid and strong pulse; or fainting.