Outdoor pools reopen in Winnipeg but you've got to book a time in advance

Winnipeggers looking for relief from the sweltering heat can now go for an outdoor dip, but COVID-19 precautions require people to book swim times in advance.

A number of outdoor public pools and wading pools will be open startingFriday.

The following pools are now available for bookings:

• St. Vital outdoor pool,5 rue des Meurons.
• Transcona Aquatic Park, 1101 Wabasha St.
• Fort Garry Lions outdoor pool, 969 Dowker Ave.
• Happylandoutdoor pool,520 Marion St.
• Provencheroutdoor pool,590 rue Langevin.
• Windsor Park ourdoor pool,333 Speers Rd.
• Kildonan Park outdoor pool, 2015 Main St.
• Broadway wading pool, 185 Young St.
• Dakota wading pool, 1188 Dakota St.
• Home Playground wading pool, 772 Sargent Ave.
• Kapyong wading pool, 340 Amherst St.
• McKittrick wading pool, 790 Rathgar Ave.
• Robert A. Steen wading pool, 980 Palmerston Ave.
• River Osborne wading pool, 466 Gertrude Ave.
• Sturgeon Heights wading pool, 210 Rita St.
• Walsall wading pool, 2099 Manitoba Ave.

There are a number of things to keep in mind before you go.

First, swimmers are asked to self-assess for COVID-19 symptoms. If you're sick, don't go.

You also can't just show up. Swimmers must register in advance for two-hour swim blocks.

The supervisor of the Fort Garry Lions, Provencher, Happyland, Windsor Park and St. Vital pools said that system worked pretty well on opening day.

"This morning went well. People are patient," Eric Schmitt outside at the St. Vital pool.

"The ones that have walked up that did not know about the registration system, we were able to accommodate. They're just happy to be here in the heat."

The swim blocks are offered on a week-by-week basis, the city said in a news release on Friday. New swim blocks will be added online every Thursday.

You can register on the city's website or by calling 311.

Booking visits at Winnipeg pools

4 years ago

Duration 1:10

Eric Schmitt, supervisor of the Fort Garry Lions, Provencher, Happyland, Windsor Park and St. Vital pools says the system worked pretty well on opening day.

Swimmers also have to come already dressed in trunks or a swimsuit. Lockers won't be available.

If you need a life-jacket, water wingsor a chair, you may want to bring your own. There will be limited supplies of these things on hand at the pools, the city said.

There will be hand-sanitizing stations at each entrance, the city said.

Capacities are being limited to ensure physical distancing is possible. Everyone has to remain at least two metres apart unless they're from the same household, the city said.

Pools and wading pools will be shut down for 30 minutes between each two-hour swim block so staff can clean and disinfect the area.

Staggered openings of other outdoor pools will continue as amenities are approved.

The city has also provided video tutorials for how to sign up for an online account and reserve swim times: