It's a monthly get-together unique to Austin, but as of Tuesday evening, the “Howl at the Moon” swim at the Barton Springs pool will be different than in the past. Our Stef Manisero has more on the changes from Barton Springs.
AUSTIN, Texas — The line at The Barton Springs pool grew steadily since about 8 p.m. Tuesday night with hundreds all hoping they make the cut into the “Howl at the Moon” swim.
This is the first time the event is setting a limit on the number of people allowed in, capping out at 750, forcing a whole lot more to turn around and head home.
Another new change is the extra staffing on duty including a handful of APD officers. These changes enforced by the Austin Parks and Recreation department, all in response to last month’s event.
That park leaders say the event quickly got out of hand with about 2,500 people. Although there were no injuries, the situation could have easily become unsafe with so much noise that it would be difficult for lifeguards to hear if something had happened.
This just another example of the growing pains we continue to see as Austin's population continues to rise.
The tradition that has been taking place in Austin for about 20 years now, always unofficial, with people just hearing about it through word of mouth through friends.
Tuesday night was the first time this event has been official and that the pool will be charging admission past 9 p.m. when typically entering the pool would become free.