To the editor:

The North Country Community College pool makes it possible for me to swim year round. I felt so lucky to have this option, as do other swimmers that I meet at the pool. Swimming is one of the healthiest sports there is. Just Google “value of swimming as exercise” and you’ll find hundreds of articles touting the benefits of swimming. Not only does swimming improve endurance, muscle strength and cardio-vascular fitness, it is a low-impact sport that is particularly suited to older people. One study from Indiana University claimed that swimming turns back the clock: “regular swimmers are biologically 20 years younger than their drivers’ licenses say.” I can personally attest to the health benefits of swimming. After a year of regular twice-weekly swims, I lowered my cholesterol 10 percent.

But swimming isn’t just good for adults, it’s a critical skill for children who live in an area with many lakes and rivers. Previous letters to the editor about the NCCC pool have also pointed out how important it is to have a pool where children can take swimming lessons. This isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

In a press release, NCCC President Steven Tyrell stated that the pool is under-utilized. However, the NCCC pool is primarily open during the day. If the pool was open during the evening a few times a week, people with jobs might be more likely to use it. Also, I doubt whether the usage statistics are very accurate because many people don’t sign in. Before closing the pool, it would be better to try to increase usage by publicizing the pool, offering better hours, and more swimming and exercise classes.

Please don’t remove the pool. Once it’s gone, it’s gone, and that would be a sad loss for our community. If keeping the pool open is important to you, please speak up . Write to NCCC President Steven Tyrell at North Country Community College, 23 Santanoni Ave., Saranac Lake, NY 12983. You can also sign this online petition: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/ncccpool.

Susan Hahn

Ray Brook