With the Manitoba heat wave in full effect, now’s the perfect time for the Selkirk Park Pool + Splashpad to open its gates!
Pool goers however will see a new set of rules this year. This is to ensure the safety of both the swimmers and our staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“For the past 3 weeks we’ve been working with the Province and our legal team on a set of rules that will allow swimmers to get the most out of the pool, stay safe while using it, and make the pool financially viable this year,” said the city’s Director of Culture, Recreation and Green Transportation Brady Clark.”
“It will be a big change for everyone. Some may not like the new rules, but it was either establish these new rules set out by the Province or not open the pool at all. We hope swimmers understand that we’re setting these rules to keep everyone safe and hopefully we won’t have to implement them next year.”
Rules for everyone’s safety
Here’s what swimmers can expect when they come to the pool this summer:
- Patrons will not be permitted if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, knowingly been exposed to someone experiencing symptoms, or if they’ve travelled outside of Manitoba in the last 14 days, excluding travel to western Canada, the Territories or Ontario west of Terrace Bay.
- ALL guests will be screened at the gate and will need to present either a valid driver’s or a Manitoba Health Card.
- Kids 12 and under must be accompanied by their legal guardian or primary childcare provider (day care, day camp, family member, etc.). Swimmers aged 13+ are permitted without a guardian, provided they have the family Manitoba Health card either physically or on their phone.
- Your information will be stored securely in our system. This is strictly for monitoring traffic in and out of the pool in the event of a confirmed COVID-19 test from someone who recently visited. Your information will be deleted after 30 days.
- Pool hours are 12-3:30p.m. and 4:30-8p.m. seven days a week. There will be a mandatory mid-day closure from 3:30-4:30p.m. for facility cleaning. All swimmers must vacate the pool grounds during this time. If you paid for admission between 12-3:30p.m., you will have to pay for admission once the pool reopens.
- Change rooms and bathrooms will be open. Showers will be closed.
- All patrons will be assigned a section on the beach and asked to remain in those areas to ensure that they are appropriately distanced from their neighbours. These areas will be outlined with bright yellow rope, so please be careful to not trip. Swimmers can swim in all parts of the pool unless otherwise noted.
- Pool attendants (staff in green shirts) will be monitoring and enforcing the Province’s social distancing requirements. All swimmers must maintain a distance of at least 2 metres, with the exception of those from the same house hold. Those who continue not to abide by social distancing standards will be asked to leave.
- We anticipate the screening process may take some time. Please understand that these are the steps required to operate the pool during this pandemic. We will do our best to collect the required information swiftly and efficiently. Unruly guests will be denied entry.
- There is a limit to the amount of people we are allowed in the pool area. Please note that there may be a wait time to enter the pool.
A fair deal to stay cool
Admission is free for Selkirk residents and $5/person for non-residents. You must bring a valid proof of ID stating you are a Selkirk resident for free admission. Seasonal passes are as follows for non-residents:
- Family $85.00
- Adult (18 and over) $53.00
- Youth (17 and under) $36.00
- Senior (65 and over) $36.00
Keeping up with the times
As the Province moves forward with their Restoring Safe Services – Manitoba’s Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery plan, Clark says there is a possibility that regulations may change.
“We’ll do our best to keep everyone informed as quickly as possible. If any of these rules change, we’ll update everyone through our website and on social media,” said Clark.
“We’re one of the only provinces that have this opportunity to enjoy outdoor pools this summer so we’re really trusting swimmers to be understanding, be patient, and abide by the rules that’ve been put in place.”
Contact CitizenSupport if you have any questions at 204-785-4900 or [email protected].
