Vancouver Park Board to open some pools and beaches

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

The Vancouver Park Board recently announced that it has decided open four outdoor pools and will be staffing lifeguards at nine beaches, starting July 13. The latest decision would allow Vancouverites to enjoy some swimming at outdoor pools and beaches for the summer amidst the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

The park authorities have decided to reopen the pools at Kitsilano, New Brighton, Second Beach and Maple Grove though the latter might be delayed than others. Meanwhile, English Bay, Jericho, Kitsilano, Locarno, Spanish Banks East and West, Sunset, Third, and Trout Lake beaches will also be open. In addition, ten spray parks at MacLean, Chaldecott, Harbour Green, Grandview, Hastings, Oak, Stanley, Prince Edward, Pandora, and Garden will also begin to reopen across the city on June 27.

The swimming zones at beaches will be designated by red and yellow flags instead of buoys in order to show that the area will be patrolled by lifeguards between 11:30 AM and 8:30 PM every day until September 7. Washrooms will be open at the venues but changing rooms will not be available as of now. Therefore, any individual planning to swim has been asked to arrive after being ready. Swimmers who want to swim laps will be allowed to book a 45-minute swim period, while casual swimmers can book a 90-minute block.

A gap of 30 minutes will be undertaken between each swim period in order to allow staff to sanitize and prepare the venue for the next group. All payments have been made available online and in-person payment methods with contactless electronic payment will also be available. However, no flexi passes and cash payment is allowed. No permission has been granted for snorkels and kickboards. Rentals of goggles or towels will also remain unavailable.

All visitors have been asked to maintain social and physical distancing from each other at beaches as well as the lifeguard’s chair. All lifeguards will be wearing personal protective gear. During the requirement of any first aid, only the patient and the lifeguard will be allowed in each first aid room at a time. One parent or guardian from the same household will be allowed to accompany a child.

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