Splish splash: Here’s what Hamilton public pools will look like emerging from the pandemic

No snorkels. No giant Unicorn floaties. No water slides.

Those are just three of the nearly 50 infection control measures" coming to Hamilton pools this summer as the city works to reopen the recreation centres that were shuttered due to COVID-19.

Laura Kerr, manager of program development in the city's recreation department, said some of the measures will be visible" to bathers, while others will not be.

The Spectator has broken down what changes you can expect to see if you plan to dive into a public pool this summer.

So you wanna go for a swim?

Deviating from its normal summer schedule, the city's pools will only be open for community-use only and in 90-minute blocks, said Kerr.

Swimmers will be limited to that time block for their visit, she added.

As each of those blocks finish, the pools and change rooms will be evacuated to allow for disinfecting and cleaning.

As of Thursday, swim times will be first come, first served - but Kerr said a wait list will be created for those that don't get in.

The city is also reviewing" a reservation system that could be put in place depending on demand, she added.

Residents hoping to make a splash will be passively" screened for symptoms and will be asked about their health status upon entering the recreational facility, said Kerr.

They'll also be required to provide contact information to assist with contact tracing in the event of a community outbreak, she added.

Swimmers can expect to see directional signage when they enter facilities and physically distanced lineup areas for showers, change rooms, washrooms as well as reception.

Kerr said bathers also are encouraged to come to the pool already changed and showered to shorten the amount of time they spend in the change rooms.

On the deck

Once inside, Kerr said not much will change" in terms of the pool deck and staffing.

But, there will be designated areas for people to place their belongings in facilities that will be closing lockers for the time being. Non-bathers and spectators will not be permitted on the pool deck.

Swimmers will also see some equipment closed to the public. That will include diving boards, slides, spas and warm pools.

It will just be the main pools that are open," said Kerr.

If there is a situation requiring first aid, Kerr said both the lifeguard as well as the bather will be required to wear a mask.

There will also continue to be compressions and resuscitation in the event of a drowning, with the addition of one-way valve masks for mouth-to-mouth.

Taking a dip

As swimmers dive in, Kerr said physical distancing will be required and that swimmers should stay with their social circles or families that they came with.

We're asking all patrons to take some personal responsibility," said Kerr. The lifeguards will be there to remind them of physical distance if there are concerns."

Capacity at all city pools has been reduced by quite a bit" to encourage greater" physical distancing, she said.

That reduction varies by facility but Kerr was unable to confirm the overall average on Thursday.

As for equipment, the city has given the green light for the continued use of personal flotation devices, puddle jumpers, goggles, toys for personal use, as well as water wings.

Life-jackets will also be available for those in need.

Kerr said the city has asked swimmers not to bring snorkels as they are often left on the deck" and could pose a risk to others. Large floaties are also off the table as they could detract" from the capacity of the pool, she added.

When will the pools open?

According to the city, the following pools will open on July 6: Ancaster Lions Outdoor, Coronation Outdoor Pool, Dundas Driving Park, H.G. Brewster Pool, Huntington Park Recreation Centre, Jimmy Thompson Pool, Ryerson Recreation Centre, Sir Winston Churchill Recreation Centre, Stoney Creek Recreation Centre and Westmount Recreation Centre.

The Birge Outdoor Pool, Green Acres Outdoor Pool, Inch Park Outdoor Pool and Walker Outdoor Pool will open on July 13.

We're really excited for the pools to open and for the community to return," said Kerr. We just ask them to do it in a safe manner and observe the additional rules in place."

CORRECTION: The article was updated July 4 to correct the spelling of city manager Laura Kerr's name. We regret the error.

Fallon Hewitt is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: fhewitt@thespec.com