When summer heat strikes and everyone's so hot they're sticking their heads in the freezer, it's time to go to the pool. Before you pack up water bottles and towels, remember this tip: Put on sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going into the water (otherwise it just washes off), and then be prepared to reapply, reapply, reapply. Once you are ready for a day in the sun, head off to one of these local facilities.

Lake County

Middletown
Middletown County Pool. 20962 Big Canyon Road. 262-1618. Call for dates and fees.

Mendocino County

Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg/CV Starr Community Center, Sigrid and Harry Spath Aquatic Facility. 300 S. Lincoln Street. 964-9446. Center features multiple pools, adult swim area, and children's play zone with beach entry and a water slide and river. Swim/Slide/Splash! waterpark features turned on 1-4 p.m. every day during the summer. Adults: $8-$12. Ages 5-17: $6-$10. Ages 4 and younger: free. See starrcenter.net.

Ukiah
City of Ukiah Municipal Pool. 511 Park Boulevard. 467-2831. Public swim: June 10-August 16. Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. $5. Swim lessons available. See cityofukiah.com/aquatics.

Willits
Willits Municipal Pool. 299 N. Main Street. See facebook.com/willitscitypool or call 459-5778 for public swim hours and fees.