POOLS REOPENING

Extra health precautions

Calgarians can once again take a dive at four city aquatic centres that are reopening Friday after months of closures forced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bob Bahan, Canyon Meadows, Glenmore and Killarney cityowned aquatic and fitness centres are reopening to the public by appointment only, with enhanced cleaning and physical distancing measures in place.

Michelle Tait, superintendent of operations with Calgary Recreation, said safety remains the priority.

“Customers will notice some changes but it’s all designed to put the safety of users and staff first while creating a positive experience for everyone,” said Tait. “I hope that after their first experience they’ll know what to expect and continue to come back.”

The indoor pools will be available for lane swimming, family swimming and other activities, but the number of swimmers will be limited. At the Killarney site, for example, a maximum of 16 people will be allowed in the pool at one time, compared with upwards of 40 pre-pandemic.

There will also be guidelines to avoid face-to-face contact while lane swimming.

Instead of five lanes open for swimmers, the pool at Killarney will be split into two sections. Visitors will be encouraged to swim in a circular pattern rather than back and forth, to reduce the potential for close contact.

People will also be asked to keep pace with other swimmers to limit contact within two metres. A no-passing rule will be in place.

“Based on the provincial guidelines and the number of people allowed, we had to look at each of our amenity types,” said Tait.

Hot tubs and saunas remain closed until Stage 3 of the province’s relaunch strategy.

Calgarians will need to make reservations online at calgary. ca/dropin to access the facilities. Appointments can be made seven days in advance and are limited to a maximum of one hour.

“Our goal is to really make it as accessible for as many people as possible. By limiting the time, that gives us more opportunity to get more people in the door,” said Tait, who couldn’t say what the expected demand will be. “I know a lot of people are excited to get back into the water, excited to be back in our facilities.”

All four facilities will be operating with slightly reduced hours, from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekends.