AUSTIN, Texas — The stifling heat has consumed Texas, and people are doing what they can to stay cool. Luckily, six seasonal pools in the Austin area have extended their operations to late September so folks can have somewhere to go for relief.

City of Austin Parks and Recreation officials have reported sufficient lifeguard staffing. Since there’s enough people on staff, lifeguards can withstand the Sept. 24 extension.

The six pools to extend their operations are as follows:

• Garrison Pool
• Govalle Pool
• Mabel Davis Pool
• Northwest Pool
• Shipe Pool
• Walnut Creek Pool

The city said most pools will close early on Aug. 13. The exceptions are Barton Springs Pool and Deep Eddy Pool. Their seasonal staffs include a lot of AISD students, some of whom return to school the next day. 

Bartholomew, Barton Springs, Big Stacy, Deep Eddy and Springwoods are year-round operations that will remain open through Oct. 31.

According to Austin-Travis County EMS officials, there have been a record number of heal-related illnesses this year. In July, it was reported that ATCEMS responded to 285 heat-related incidents, a 28% jump from 2022.

For more guidance on heat safety, check out these tips from ATCEMS.