Two Saskatoon outdoor pools welcome swimmers once again

You can now take a dip in one of two Saskatoon outdoor pools reopening to the public.

The Riversdale Pool on Avenue H South, has opened its doors to swimmers, while the George Ward outdoor pool on Fifth St. East, will welcome guests on Wednesday.

Even though the two aquatic facilities will be open for the summer as part of Phase 4 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan there will be some restrictions, explains the city’s Manager of Recreation Facilities, Jody Hauta.

“There’s actually a cap on the number of swimmers on the number of people that can be in the pool, and so we’ve got a cap of 100 people in the pool area, which would be about 85 swimmers that would be able to come in and participate at one time.”

He says that should allow swimmers to spread out throughout the facility. Normally, the Riversdale Pool capacity is 750 patrons, while the George Ward Pool capacity is 650.

Two-hour sessions have been set up, which Hauta says include passing through admissions and their exit times. A 30-minute break will then take place to allow for everyone to exit, and for staff to clean and sanitize the facilities.

A lot of the same guidelines that apply to retail spaces also apply including physical distancing when possible with people not in their group, not going to the pool if you’re sick in any way, and washing and sanitizing hands regularly, especially after touching shared surfaces – for example in washrooms.

There will be signs posted throughout the pool deck area, and inside washrooms and change rooms.

“We’re also encouraging people to bring their own seating and also to bring their own water to drink at the facility when they are there. We will have washrooms and change rooms available.”

One change that Hauta says they’re trying out this year, is asking people who want to go for a swim to call ahead and book a time in advance to discourage long lines outside. There will however, be some room for walk-ins.

“We’re also in the process of setting up an online booking system as well so that you’ll be able to book that way.”

The pools will be open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday. Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays the pools will be open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.