City announces summer pool rules

With the 2013-2014 school year coming to a close this week, summer fun officially begins.
 The City of Hazlehurst will open its pools soon.  Police Chief Byron Swilley announced on Monday that the rules at the city facilities will be strictly enforced.
The rules include:
1. No pets are allowed.
2. Loitering by individuals who are not playing basketball or swimming is not allowed.
3. Loitering at the St. James Church property adjacent to the Larkin Street pool is not allowed.
4. Parents need to send money with their children to get into the facilities each day.
5. Trespassing in the abandoned properties or on the property at Larkin Street will not be allowed.
6. Obey all posted rules at each facility, and everyone will have a great summer.
Swilley also said on Monday that the summer time curfew, which is 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, will be enforced for teens age 17 and under. “We will work with those who have jobs and may be getting off work later than that, but we want everyone else to know that the curfew will be strictly enforced,” Swilley explained.
The chief is seeking the cooperation of all parents.  “We want our kids to have a safe and enjoyable summer vacation, but we need parents to help us make sure that happens,” continued Chief Swilley. 
“Parents need to make sure their children have a way to and from the facilities. We will be talking to kids with back packs just as a safety precaution,” continued Chief Swilley.
“Finally, we need the eyes and ears of the community. If you see anything that looks suspicious, please contact the police department at 601-894-1181.  We don’t want the caller’s name, just their information,” he added.
Chief Swilley believes that if the community works with the police department a lot of vandalism and other bad behavior will be stopped before it starts. 
Swilley reminds everyone that his department is working with Mississippi Highway Patrol on MHP’s Click-or-Ticket campaign.  “Of course, we enforce all traffic laws, but, specifically, we will be targeting those not wearing their seat belts,” Swilley said.