As temperatures rise and summer approaches, Minot Air Force Base has announced the official opening of its Outdoor Pool on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. The pool will once again serve as a central hub for summer recreation, fitness, and family-friendly activities for all individuals with base access.

The Outdoor Pool will operate Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The facility will remain closed on Sundays and Mondays. Hours may be adjusted in response to weather conditions or safety requirements.

The pool is funded through Appropriated Funds (APF), because of APF, all military members and dependents can swim for free! This does not happen at every GSC or even all AF bases, so make sure and take advantage of the free swimming all summer!

To keep safety top priority, a minimum of five certified lifeguards will be on duty at all times. All lifeguards are trained in emergency protocols to ensure a prompt and effective response to incidents.

To help life guards prevent fatigue and maintain alertness, 10-minute breaks will be implemented each hour, Water quality is closely monitored, with testing conducted prior to opening at four corners of the pool and every two hours during operation. Additionally, the 5th Medical Group’s Bioenvironmental Engineering team conducts monthly inspections to ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.

Supervision Requirements

• Children 10 years and under must be directly supervised by someone 16 or older.
• That supervising person:
  • Can watch no more than 3 children total.
  • Of those, only 2 may be under age 6.
  • Must have:
  • American Red Cross Babysitting Training certification on file.
  • Written parental authorization to seek emergency care.
  • Parent contact info on hand.
  • If they do not meet those conditions, the supervisor must be at least 18 years old.

Unattended Youth (Ages 11–13)

Children aged 11 to 13 can be left unattended only if they pass a basic swim test:

• Swim 12 meters
• Tread water for 1 minute
• Exit the pool without using a ladder

If they pass:

• Their name is logged in a swim test book
• They receive a wristband every visit for the rest of the season (no need to retest)

Youth ages 14-15 can attend alone but are not eligible to supervise younger children.

Youth ages 16+ with Red Cross Babysitting certification and parent authorization, are eligible to supervise a maximum of 3 children. Of those, only 2 may be under the age of 6.

Only United State Coast Guard (USCG) approved flotation devices are permitted, patrons can determine if a flotation device is USCG approved by looking for the USCG Approved Number on the flotation device.Free USCG approved life jackets are available upon request to support safe swimming, especially for children and novice swimmers. Non-toilet trained children must wear swim diapers while at the facility.

According to Mrs. Renatta Molioo, 5th Force Support Squadron (5 FSS) Community Services Flight Chief, there is currently no snack bar available this year , but food from 5 FSS facilities such as the Bistro and Rockers is permitted within the pool area. Patrons are encouraged to bring refreshments and to help maintain cleanliness. Proper swimwear is required, and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. For hygiene and safety, only water shoes or flip-flops are allowed on the pool deck—no sneakers or street shoes.

The facility also offers lap swimming on a first-come, first-served basis, with designated lanes available throughout the day.

In the case of inclement weather, updates and closures will be communicated via the Minot AFB Outdoor Recreation and 5 FSS Facebook pages. If lightning is detected within 10 miles, the pool will automatically close, and will only reopen 30 minutes after the last observed thunder or lightning strike. In situations where lightning is within 3 nautical miles, locker rooms will serve as shelter for patrons.

Plans are also underway to offer special events, including a potential dorm-only pool party designed to engage the younger Airman population. Final details for such events will be released once confirmed.

With a strong emphasis on safety, accessibility, and building community connections, the Minot AFB Outdoor Pool is prepared to kick off another memorable summer season. Whether patrons are looking to swim laps, enjoy time with family, or simply cool off, the facility stands ready to welcome them.

For the latest updates, guidelines, and event announcements, follow Minot AFB Outdoor Recreation and 5 FSS on Facebook.