Surrey’s Newton Wave pool to reopen

The popular Newton Wave Pool is reopening next week, after a two-year break.

Along with several other Surrey facilities, the Newton Recreation Centre was closed as part of the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pools have been able to be open since B.C. moved into phase two of the province’s restart plan more than a year ago, but some have remained shut.

Now, the City of Surrey says swimmers can once again return, but due to a lifeguard shortage the hours will not be at pre-pandemic levels.

The facility will be closed Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and will close early on the weekends at 3:00 p.m.

Other changes will include showing mandatory proof-of-vaccination for those 12 and older, as well as government ID (for those over 19) until April 8, when the provincial health order for the B.C. Vaccine Card is set to lift.

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Along with the wave pool, the water slides, the hot tub, and the steam room will be open, as will the change rooms. Masks are no longer required to be worn in public spaces. However, some programs may still require a reservation.

Another busy facility in the city remains shuttered, with no estimated reopening day. The city says the lifeguard shortage has meant the South Surrey Recreation Centre Pool cannot operate.

Job postings on the city’s website show two aquatics roles have been open since November, as well as the search for another posted last month for a lifeguard in a part-time position.

Under current health and safety regulations, a minimum number of lifeguards must be present depending on the number of patrons in the pool.