Swimming Hole

Many kids who grew up in rural areas and small towns knew of one or two swimming holes in the area. Usually, there was a swimming hole for the younger kids, another for the older kids, and then one for the young adults who wanted to get away by themselves from time to time. Many people have fond memories of the swimming hole, the friends who gathered there, and how everyone could not wait for spring to turn into summer so the fun could begin all over again.

The best swimming holes were those that were natural ponds or banked rivers within walking distance. They would not be too deep, so even kids who could not swim well would join in. But they would be deep enough to cannonball into the water from a low hanging tree branch without hurting anyone. Usually, there was plenty of area around the swimming hole that was cleared away and ideal for stretching out and watching clouds when it was time to dry off before going home. For many, the best swimming hole was one they thought their parents did not know about, although chances were one or more of their parents had used the same swimming hole when they were kids.

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Knowing about a secret swimming hole was almost like being accepted into a special club. Kids that were new to town had to be checked out and approved by a rigorous process before anyone would divulge the whereabouts of the secret swimming spot. Even then, kids would watch very closely, lest the new kid say or do something that would give away the location of the favored swimming hole. It was only after the kid had proven his or her mettle that the doubt would subside and the child would be fully a part of the community.

As kids grow up, they would spend less and less time at the swimming hole. In time, going out on dates would take the place of sneaking off to spend the day with friends splashing around in the cool water that was such a relief on a hot summer day. Of course, the swimming hole would not be abandoned. As one generation of children moved into their teens, a new set of kids would take over the swimming hole, enjoying every minute of their years as the caretakers of this special spot.

Today, urban sprawl has come to the suburbs and many rural areas are now housing estates and planned communities. Many kids either splash around in backyard pools or use the pool at the local gym. But there are still a few places here and there where kids quietly slip away to spend some time at the local swimming hole, where the water is cool and the summer days seem to go on forever.