CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Sholem Aquatic Center in Champaign has seen a record number of people, especially on days with high temperatures. That’s going to change pretty soon though, pool officials said.

The pool will close for the season on Sept. 1.

“We have been very busy since it’s been so hot. Everybody wants to come here and cool off by the pool,” Shaucka Taylor, Sholem’s pool manager, said.

Central Illinois pools typically close after Labor Day and Sholem Aquatic Center is no different. Now, people only have two more weeks to chill out at the popular summer spot.

“I believe we had to turn people away at the peak because we were at capacity which has been pretty intense,” Taylor said.

With higher temperatures, the pool sees more people, which means more responsibility. In July, they were seeing nearly 2,000 people daily at their pool.

“It makes the job a lot more intense when it’s really hot. We’re way more vigilant to make sure our lifeguards are okay in the heat and patrons are okay in the heat,” Taylor said.

Taylor knows this first-hand. She was a lifeguard before becoming a manager.

“It is hard when it’s very hot, and you’re working up in chair for awhile,” Taylor said.

Ben Freburg knows what it’s like to work in the heat and is glad there is a place to go after a long day.

“It’s nice and it’s relaxing. I usually come after work, and I work in a pretty hot environment,” Freburg said.

But Sholem is more than just a place to cool off — it’s a safe space for the community.

“We see a lot of kids coming here to hang out with their friends and relax in the pool. So, it’s great to be an environment where kids can come, and they know they’re safe when they come here,” Taylor said.

Sholem reduced their hours since school started; now, they’re only open on the weekends. But, Taylor said that has not slowed them down. Since everyone wants to come relax after their week at school, Taylor said that they might have gotten even busier. The pool is open from noon to 5 p.m. Visit the Champaign Park District’s website for more information.