Vancouver’s outdoor pools reopen for May long weekend
Posted May 21, 2021 9:16 pm.
Last Updated May 21, 2021 9:20 pm.
VANOCUVER (NEWS 1130) — Three of Vancouver’s outdoor pools are reopening Saturday, but anyone who wants to take a dip will have to plan in advance due to pandemic-related restrictions on capacity.
Kitsilano, New Brighton, and Second Beach pools will welcome swimmers, but online booking is required, no changerooms will be open, and masks will be mandatory in washrooms.
Peter Fox, Supervisor of Aquatics with the City of Vancouver, says spots for the long weekend are filling up fast.
“We’ve certainly had a huge run on registrations,” he says.
“The majority of sessions sold out very quickly for the first week, or at least for the first weekend. But we expected that because so many people love to swim. There is a demand straightaway as soon as the ticketing becomes available.”
Bookings can be made up to three days in advance, and the system allows for people to book a time slot for a “pod” of two people. Length swimmers can book for 45 minutes, while “public swimmers” can book a 90-minute slot. The pools will be cleaned after each session.
Fox says staff and swimmers are looking forward to a full summer in the water after last year’s shortened season.
“Last year we only had, unfortunately, a seven or eight-week season. This year we’ve got the full 16 weeks. So we’re looking forward to people coming back to not only our pools but our beaches as well. All the lifeguards have undertaken all their training and ready to go.”
Lifeguards will be supervising 10 swim areas including Jericho Beach, Spanish Banks, and Third Beach. Spray parks will also be opening at MacLean, Chaldecott, Connaught, Harbour Green, Grandview, Hastings, Oak, Stanley, Prince Edward, Pandora, and Garden parks.
