Pools in Regina, Buffalo Pound open for swimmers

Swimmers in Regina now have more options to get in the pool and cool off on a hot day.

The Regent Outdoor Pool opened Friday, while the Lawson Aquatic Centre got back to business on Monday.

Bobbie Selinger, Regina’s manager of community and recreation, joined The Greg Morgan Morning Show on Friday to discuss the COVID-19 restrictions swimmers should keep in mind.

As with any establishment in these coronavirus times, sanitizing and cleaning has been ramped up. There is also a capacity limit in both the pool and change rooms.

“We’re encouraging customers to come dressed and ready to go, as there is limited changing room access,” she explained.

There is also a health-related questionnaire posted on the front door, in order to screen for symptoms of the virus.

The city recommends you book in advance, but it’s not mandatory.

“We are allowing walk-ins, but because of the limited space, there may not be space for people. We don’t want them to come and be disappointed,” she said.

One question that has popped up is whether COVID-19 can survive in the water. Selinger said the risk of that is low.

“The (Center for Disease Control) has put out papers (showing) that it is safe to be in the water due to the chlorine. That’s why we’re taking extra caution around the facility, because that would be where the risk is greater,” she explained.

The Regent Outdoor Pool has also had its hours extended to run from 8 a.m until 8 p.m.

Buffalo Pound pool opened Friday

The new pool at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park opened for the first time Friday.

A replacement for the original pool that opened in 1972, the new pool includes a sloped accessible entry for young children or anyone with mobility concerns.

(Government of Saskatchewan/Submitted)

The pool is to be open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., until after the September long weekend.

Like the pools in two other Saskatchewan provincial parks, the Buffalo Pound pool will have COVID-19 protocols in place.

Capacity at any one time will be reduced, so a turnover system will be used requiring all pool users to leave after a set block of time so the pool can be sanitized. Users can choose to leave or re-enter the lineup to get in again.

There won’t be any swimming lessons or programming, including lane swimming. As a result, the pool will be open for longer public swim times to allow for more visitors.

Physical distancing must be followed. Floor indicators will tell visitors where to stand while in line to pay and barriers will be in place to protect visitors and pool staff during any necessary contact. There also will be entry and exit directional signage.