Totally Texas -- Swims, boats, flicks

Officially, Dallas public swimming pools don’t open until June 15, but don’t wait, because this special deal expires TODAY! In honor of National Water Safety Month in May, everyone who registers this month for swim lessons gets a free ticket to the city’s Bahama Beach Waterpark, normally an $15 value. But you’ve got to act now to take advantage of this deal because, well, this is the last day of May! Half an hour before publishing this post, I checked seven pools in different parts of Dallas and found numerous openings, especially for children’s classes. You can register online at www.dallasrectrac.org/.

After you register, take a peek at more water fun freebies. Did I say pools open June 15? Well, except for the water safety fair at Samuell Grand Pool, 3201 Samuell Blvd., Friday, June 14, from 2-5 p.m. Safety tips for parents and kids, water games, swim lesson assessments and swimming. The price again? Totally free!

You may have noticed that the word “free” really sets me off. So I’ll say it some more. Free -- a chance to break the Guinness record books with the world’s largest swimming lesson June 18 at all Dallas community pools. Learn while meeting Olympic athletes at all Dallas community pools. Selected pools will also participate in drawing for swim lesson scholarships.

And how about this -- you’d like to take the family to the movies, but you can barely swing a few dollars for pool admissions? Four Friday nights, four pools, four family-friendly movies, free with paid pool admission. For details, see www.dallasaquatics.org/.  

Now you’re revved up to hit the water but -- the pools aren’t open yet. Fortunately, Dallas spray parks -- those soft-surfaced water playgrounds kids and adults love -- have already opened for the season at nine Dallas locations. No swimming skills needed. And the cost is -- you guessed it, free! For locations, see www.dallasparks.org/main/home.aspx/.

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Trying to bring myself down from hyperventilation mode, here are a few more watery deals. The Bahama Beach water park south of downtown is currently open weekends, with extended hours beginning June 12. For prices, including discounts for Dallas residents and other specials, see www.bahamanbeachdallas.com/.

Kayak Kamp -- two days of classes, starting the second week in June, for students ages 6-18. Learn the basics of kayaking and water safety. For registration, call 214-670-1926.

Cardboard boat races -- July 19, 7 p.m., at Samuell Grand Pool. For, yes, boats, rafts, or anything made out of cardboard that will float (waterproofing allowed). Entry fee is $15 per boat. See the Dallas Aquatics site and call 214-670-1926 for additional information or to register.