Humphreys Park
A.M. Risher Pool
The A. M. Risher Swimming Pool is located on State Road 54 East on the north side of the Humphreys Park in Linton, Indiana. The pool has been open since 1965. A. M. Risher, who was the city mayor at that time, gave his first year’s salary to the city to start the fund-raising program for a swimming pool. Risher operated a construction business and donated cement to construct the pool. Before the pool was built, visitors would cool off by using water from a fountain that was located near the tennis courts at the park.
The swimming pool holds up to 2,060 gallons of water and is 33 meters wide by 25 meters long. Three diving boards, based on height, are referred to as small, medium, and large. Also, a 20 by 40-foot baby pool is provided so that youngsters may safely play in the water. The pool also has a concession stand, a bathhouse, and two restrooms. When the pool is open to the public, three lifeguards are always on duty. The pool is owned by the city. Due to high liability costs, an appointed board of directors, known as the Pool Board governs the pool.
To get a job at the pool, a person must fill out an application. The Pool Board fills the positions after conducting interviews. The lifeguards are paid $5.00 an hour. Everyone that works in the bath house earns $3.25 an hour. They do not get paid minimum wage because the work is seasonal and the minimum wage law does not apply.
Joe and Jan Cabel started the Linton swim team, known as the Linton Stingrays, in 1967. Mr. Cabel would ask the young people at the pool: "If would you like to be on swim team, come to practice tomorrow." Every lifeguard was automatically a part of the swim team. The Cables managed the pool for fourteen years. During that time the swim team won many medals and awards. After the Cables retired, several people helped with the swim team to continue the winning tradition the Cables had instituted. Anyone is eligible to be on the swim team.
This information was used with permission from the Linton-Stockton School Corporation.
