It’s that time again, for a four-legged fun swim at Helene Madison Pool, 13401 Meridian Ave. N., from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 7, followed by a barbecue for the dogs’ humans.

Since 2003, Seattle Parks and Recreation has been offering opportunities for dogs to swim just before swimming pool maintenance closures, and this new Seattle tradition was recently recognized by Seattle Magazine as a “Best of 2008.”

The swim in the heated pool is made possible by the closure of the pool for preventive maintenance from August 8 through September 13. Parks worked with Public Health – Seattle & King County to clear the way for this fun event for Fido, and Health has approved the operating guidelines:

 The cost is $12 per dog; humans get in free.
 Dogs must be licensed; if you don’t have one, Seattle Animal Shelter staff will have them for sale.
 Dogs must be at least six months old and up to date on vaccinations.
 Dogs must undergo a “pre-wash” with the help of Parks staff, and Animal Shelter staff will inspect each dog before it goes into the pool.
 Sorry, humans are not allowed in the pool with the dogs.

-more-

 A lifeguard will be on duty to ensure our furry friends’ safety.
 Stairs are available for dogs to enter and leave the water.

After the swim, the pool will be closed, drained, and cleaned, and will undergo its regular 18-month preventive maintenance. It will reopen on Monday, September 13.