Brown’s Farm and Trafalgar swimming pools opened their gates this past weekend, bringing to 17 the number of community pools now in operation over weekends. So far 76% of visitors recorded at the two facilities were children. A total of 281 lifeguards have been placed at pools and are on duty, ensuring a safe experience to the community.
Currently, 17 community pools are open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 10:00 until 17:00.
The four indoor swimming pools at Retreat, Blue Downs, Strand and Long Street, as well as the internationally acclaimed Sea Point Swimming Pool are open daily.
Retreat, Blue Downs and Strand are open from 10:00 until 17:00, while Sea Point and Long Street are open from 07:00 until 19:00.
‘We have had a few challenges this season around the opening of our swimming pools, including finalising criminal clearance checks for lifeguards, which is a national process, and required for staff who work directly with the public, and children in particular.
Another challenge is a national shortage of chlorine gas, however we are testing the viability of alternative HTH chemical products to ensure good water quality.
‘We thank the public for their patience as we work to resolve these challenges. I want to remind everyone that there are many checks and balances required to ensure the safe operation of a public facility, and we’d rather err on the side of caution to make sure that we can offer our visitors the best possible experience,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
Swimming pools that are still scheduled to open during the 2022/23 summer season, where minor technical and operational challenges can be resolved are Athlone, Delft, Goodwood, Langa, Manenberg, Morningstar, Newlands, Parow Valley and Westridge.
Pools that will remain closed for the season due to major infrastructural repairs are Eastridge, Elsiesriver, Emthonjeni, Observatory and Vulindlela.
The Brown’s Farm swimming pool was back in action from Friday, 18 November. During its first weekend, there were 482 visitors in total: 7 adults and 475 children.
Trafalgar swimming pool also recently re-opened, seeing 697 visitors last weekend. Sunday was the busiest day with 162 adults and 259 children relishing all that the facility has to offer, with ample stretches of grass for families to picnic and excellent mountain views from the pool.
‘These statistics are an eye opener, highlighting the need for parents to take cognisance of the risks. Young children under 7 years old are not allowed inside a pool without a parent or guardian. But it is the adolescents and teenagers who come in groups and have varied swimming capabilities who are at high risk. The best way to keep your children safe is to swim with them and/or have an adult responsible for watching them closely near water,’ added Councillor Van der Ross.
With school holidays around the corner and many companies closing for the festive season, the Recreation and Parks department is hard at work balancing safety protocols and infrastructural maintenance to ensure safe and accessible facilities to our communities.
We always welcome feedback from patrons and residents on their experiences at our pools in our strive for service excellence. Please email management on RP.enquiries@capetown.gov.za or speak to the Facility Officer on duty at the your local swimming pool.
More updates about additional opening times will be available on the City’s website as the season progresses.
Source: City Of Cape Town