Santa Maria Rec and Parks reopens recreational swimming as heat wave continues

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - As the heat wave continues throughout Santa Barbara County, temperatures are expected to reach the 90's in Santa Maria by noon Wednesday.

Given the high temperatures this week, managers at the Rec and Parks Department are expecting a big turnout at The Paul Nelson Aquatics Centers on Wednesday.

As soon as the gates opened, swimmers head for the pool.

"it’s a really hot day and I just decided to have some fun with my cousin in the pool," said swimmer Eliannah Marroquyn.

With temperatures spiking in Santa Maria and hitting the triple digits in parts of the central coast, managers with the Rec and Parks Department were excited to open the Paul Nelson Aquatics Center for swimmers.

"It’s going amazing you know we’re happy to be able to offer a rec swim and you know provide some relief from the current heat wave going on this week," said Rudy Gutierrez, Recreations supervisor.

Given the high temperatures this week, managers say they’re not surprised at the large turnout here at the pool.

"It’s definitely a full house our limited capacity is about 150 so we’re pretty close to that number we’re looking forward to have rec swim for the rest of the summer," said Gutierrez.

In order to ensure everyone's safety, capacity is limited to 150 people.