Residents Take A Plunge To Beat the Heat

Last week's triple-digit temperatures, and the muggy weather this week has led local residents to cool off at the renovated Patchogue Beach Club.

Managers Nick Kreamer and Bruce Muro said that the club, located near the Great South Bay, gets 75-to-90 swimmers per day on a normal day.

"We've had at least 100 people per day," Kreamer said of the sudden increase. "Some people come for 10-15 minutes and do a couple of laps in the pool."

Non-members who use the pool for a day have been a big part of the increase. Both Village and non-residents can use the pool.

"I think the new pool is great, especially how they redid it," said Carole Amodeo of Patchogue Village. "It's much cleaner and nicer. What is so great about being a member is that you can stay until 7:30 at night. So I go at 6:30 because the lap lances are more accessible."

Visitors to the Patchogue Beach Club have been taking advantage of the recently renovated pool, lounging on the beach, or just socializing with friends and family while getting some sun.

"We love it," said Susan Sverdlan of Patchogue Village, who was sunbathing by the pool with her husband. "We come every night after work. We wish it would stay open a little later on hot nights though."

Later this summer, the Patchogue Beach Club will hold a Wine and Cheese Night, a Back to School Luncheon, and a Family Bingo Night. Volleyball games are held on Wednesday nights for experienced players, and on Thursday nights for novices.

The Beach Club also welcomes kids, whether they take a dip in the pool with their summer camp friends or attend the Ronald McDonald Magic Show on July 13 and July 14. For serious swimmers, the pool offers lap swimming for one hour in the mornings before it officially opens and one lane is always available for those who want to swim laps.

For more information about the Patchogue Beach Club, call (631) 475-4066 or visit http://www.patchoguevillage.org/Parks.htm.