MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON,Calif. -- The echo of water splashing and chants of “Marco Polo” could be heard throughout the night as Pendleton’s families count down the final days of summer by attending Family Swim Nights, Aug. 20.

The event, held at the 13 Area Pool, was free of charge to more than 100 Pendleton families who gathered together to enjoy the evening and celebrate the concluding summer season.

Service members and their families enjoyed a night of activities to include swim races and diving board contests, as the sound of music provided by a live disc jockey and the aroma of a barbeque grill filled the air.

 “My family and I love coming to the pool during (Family Swim Nights),” said Britney C. Weatherspoon, military dependant. “The music, food and games are so much fun.”                                                                                        

 Along with the numerous organized activities, family members spent most of the night playing their own games, such as freeze tag, basketball and various other timeless backyard traditions.

This is the third consecutive year that the 13 Area Pool has conducted Family Swim Night and each year the number of participants has increased substantially, said Jayson Martinez, 13 Area Pool supervisor.

“Here at the pool, our job is to make the families of Camp Pendleton feel at home,” said Martinez. “From all the positive feed back we get after the event, there’s no doubt my staff is doing a terrific job.”

Although this night concluded Family Swim Night for the rest of the year, the 13 Area Pool is open daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until mid September.