Itching for a dip in a city pool? Here’s what you need to know

Thinking of taking a dip in a city pool? Get in the virtual line.

Since opening pools in recent weeks, Hamilton residents have made a whopping 1,000 reservations a day for programs such as open, length and age-specific swims.

But don't fret.

Laura Kerr, manager of program development in the city's recreation department, said plenty of open slots remain available.

While last summer the city accepted swimmers on a first-come, first-served basis, it's now rolled out an online reservation system - similar to what was launched for ice skating rinks in the winter - meant to limit overcrowding and space out demand.

Here's what you need to know if you're itching to cool off from the persistent heat of early summer.

Public swims

Eight of the city's nine pools opened June 28 to open swim programs.

They run seven days a week, from either 10 a.m. or noon to 7 p.m., with bathers permitted to swim in 90-minute intervals.

The end of each time block is followed by a 15-minute stretch that sees pools and change rooms evacuated to allow for disinfecting and cleaning.

Kerr said all residents will be required to answer screening questions and provide contact tracing information prior to taking a dip.

How to book

Reservations for outdoor pool programming become available 25 hours prior to their scheduled start times.

The online reservation system can seem a little complicated, but the city has laid out step-by-step tutorial videos on its website for how to register accounts, search programs and book open slots.

Here's a quick rundown: After you set up an account, visit hamilton.ca/recreation, hit the Programs" tab on the top right margin and then click on the Program Finder" icon below.

From there, you can tinker with the drop-down menu and see which pools still have capacity and tickets available for swims.

Is booking in advance the only way to secure a spot at the pool?

If reservations are still available, or if individuals leave the pool program and space becomes available, walk-up reservations and admissions will be accepted," said Kerr.

Additionally, those without access to the online reservation system can call specific pool sites directly - whose phone numbers can be found online - and schedule swim times.

Public health rules

All city pools have had open swim capacity shrunk to allow for physical distancing.

The smallest ones - Victoria Park, Ancaster Lions Club, Chedoke - range from a max of 25 to 29 swimmers, while the largest - Rosedale, Inch Park, Coronation - accept between 35 to 51.

Bathers must remain distanced from non-household members during swim times and are encouraged to stay with their social circles or families they came with. Non-bathers and spectators are not permitted on the pool deck.

Where do you have to wear a mask?

Kerr said only in indoor spaces like change rooms and washrooms - not on the outdoor deck.

Can you bring a personal a flotation device? Yes. And, if it fancies you, add puddle jumpers, goggles, toys for personal use and water wings to the list.

Snorkels, goggles and large floats, meanwhile, are not permitted so as to limit hand-to-hand contact and increase space. Life jackets will be available for those who need.

Kerr said swimmers should come already changed, ready to swim and shower at home. There will be limited space for personal belongings as lockers and baskets may not be available at certain sites.

Sebastian Bron is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach him via email: sbron@thespec.com