With the onset of summer comes the desire to beat the heat.

From ice cream to air conditioning, there are many ways to stay cool, but it is also possible to have some fun, exercise the muscles and relax all at the same place.

Boasting the only public indoor pool in the county, the Martin County West indoor swimming pool in Sherburn offers a variety of features and programs to keep everybody happy.

Pool manager Elizabeth Viesselman was available to share information about the pool. When asked if pool traffic increases over the summer, she said that while she does not know about the open swims, she does know that numbers for the pool’s fitness swims stay fairly steady.

“It’s pretty equal, we get about the same for fitness year-round,” she said. “We maybe get a little less in the summer because people are able to go out and do other things, but in the winter when it’s 30 below it’s not as fun to do things outside, but you can always swim indoors.”

Meanwhile, open swim numbers can vary wildly based solely on people’s decisions, but Viesselman notes that there are options available for people to enjoy.

“Our open swims vary, we’ll get from zero to 30 any day and we never know when,” she said. “We do private lessons year-round and we offer group lessons several times a year. Our last group session was held in May, but we offer private lessons any time.”

In addition to open swims and fitness swims, the six-lane heated pool offers water aerobics classes and a special needs swim, where anyone with mental, physical or emotional disabilities is welcome to come out and enjoy some time in the water.

As for features, the pool offers a ramp for easy accessibility, as well as a diving board for those who enjoy it. There are also several types of exercise and recreational equipment for use, and a certified lifeguard is always on duty.

Admission for open swim is $4 for adults and $3 for students, with preschoolers getting in for free. Open swim summer hours are 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Fitness swims, water aerobics and special needs swims cost $3.

Fitness swims are held 6-8 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday; and noon to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Water aerobics is held 7-8 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Special needs swims are held 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Passes are $50 and consist of 20 and punches that never expire.

The pool is available for private rentals for parties or group activities.

The pool is located at the Sherburn Elementary School. Those with questions may call (507) 764-3651 or (507) 764-4778.