It seems like a couple of young men couldn't wait for the Coplay Parkway Pool to open.

A group was recently seen swimming in the Lehigh River late last week.

The river attracts young people who opt for the river over municipal pools throughout the summer. It's been years since the river was not only the choice of bathers, but the only place to cool down and congregate with peers.

On the Coplay side, there were two sites off the Lehigh Valley Railroad tracks that were popular for swimming.

"The Rocks" was on the north side of the Coplay-Northampton bridge. In the area there was an incline where a group of large flat rocks allowed swimmers to stretch out on beach towels or blankets at the time.

Midway in the river, a group of young men built a dock out of wooden railroad ties.

Whether it was built by those in Coplay or Northampton, it had to be fiercely guarded because of the intense rivalry and turf rule. As such, either side did its best to knock it down.

Water pollution wasn't an issue either. The white material that coated the river and at times gave off a putrid smell, didn't phase anyone, since swimming was free.

There were no lifeguards, just older individuals looking after those learning to swim.

The crowds were plentiful as well.

The other popular area for borough residents swimming in the river was known as "The Sands." Not the white sand at beaches in New Jersey, but the thick black coal dust.

The young people came from neighborhoods close by. Swimming was not the only objective. The swimmers also dove off the steel idled railroad trestle linking the two boroughs.

As far as some individuals can recall, there were no serious injuries to divers or swimmers at both locales. No fatalities took place, despite the lack of lifeguards.

Now it is the parkway pool, which receives competition from backyard in ground and above ground pools.

The borough pool does attract residents and provides a long list of events for families and children at the pool.