The Coplay pool is offering a way to keep cool while exercising.

Aqua Zumba is offered 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays from now until Labor Day weekend.

"So far we've had such great turnouts, with more and more coming out each week," said Steve Burker, chairman of Coplay's parks and recreation committee. "Tonight, 48 people came out and so far it's our best crowd yet."

Aqua Zumba classes are led by husband-and-wife team Tessy and Pedro Ayala, of Allentown, who are both certified licensed Zumba instructors. Burker described the energetic couple as "charismatic."

Burker said he found another weekly class led by the Ayalas and wanted to bring the program to Coplay.

One week, he said, curious onlookers stood along the fence watching the class.

"Everyone wants to know where the music is coming from and what kind of fun is going on at the local pool," Burker said.

Zumba is a fitness instruction style that combines Latin music with dance moves and, when done in the water, it alleviates joint and back stress. All Aqua Zumba participants sign a waiver before entering the pool and the instructors recommend in their Aqua Zumba paperwork that participants check with their physician before starting any exercise program particularly if there are pre-existing health issues.

"Zumba is a lot of fun," said April Ortiz, a participant from Whitehall. "This is my fourth week and I'm hoping that they eventually have it two days a week because I love it so much.

"The best thing about Zumba is that you don't have to worry about 'what am I going to look like doing it?'"

Her friend, Karen Symer, of Darktown agreed. The class is all about having fun and working out.

Donna Saliby of Whitehall said she enjoyed it so much she brought a friend along with her this week.

"It's the music and the natural energy of Tessy and Pedro that makes you want to just jump in the water and join them," Burker said. "Next year we'd like to offer this twice a week since it seems to have generated such a big interest."

No preregistration or pool membership is required. Participants, who must be 18 or older, merely pay $5 pool admission or $3 for senior citizens.

Aqua Zumba is just one of the events being held at the Coplay Pool this summer. A Family Karaoke and Lifeguard Karaoke Challenge Night is set for Aug. 16 with the proceeds to benefit a local charity selected by the participating lifeguards.

"We're hoping that this karaoke event can become an annual one held at different community pools in the local area. It's just another way to come out and have fun and it's all for a good cause," Burker said.

Anyone interested in aqua Zumba or participating in the karaoke challenge may call Burker at 610-703-8487 for further information.