H20, Y pools ready to reopen in August

Swimmers may again plunge into Kelowna pools on Aug. 10.

After a months-long shutdown caused by COVID-19, the pools at the H20 Centre on Gordon Drive are to re-open on Aug. 10.

The pool at Kelowna Family Y in Rutland on Hartman Road is also to re-open on Aug. 10.

At both facilities, pool hours will be Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; and statutory holidays from 9 a.m.5 p.m.

Limited lane swimming will be available at both facilities, but those who want to swim must reserve their lane time in advance.

Registration opens on the facilities’ websites on Aug. 3.

“Goggles are recommended for all lane swimming and no swim equipment will be provided at this time. Please bring your own equipment and swim aids if you require them,” the YMCA of Okanagan, which operates both complexes, says online.

Aquafit classes will resume when the pools open — but, again — advance registration is required to participate.

Online registration for Aquafit begins Aug. 3.

Open swim times will be available, but the Y says details are still being worked out with more information to come.

Swim lessons will continue to be paused, but they are expected to resume in the fall.

There is currently no opening date for Kelowna's other public pool, the one at the Parkinson Recreation Centre.

Swimmers should not be concerned about risks associated with using public pools, Interior Health says: “There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through pool water. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (eg. with chlorine and bromine) of pools should inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.”

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