Families flock to Saskatoon’s outdoor pools to beat the heat

As temperatures reach into the 30 degree Celsius range in Saskatoon, some families are heading to the city’s outdoor pools for relief from the heat.

There are just two outdoor city-run pools open in Saskatoon; Riversdale Pool on the west side, and George Ward Pool on the east side.

Both have limits of 85 swimmers at a time, and strict rules about physical distancing.

The City of Saskatoon is also encouraging people who do want to cool off poolside, to book a two-hour time slot by calling them in advance. Walk-in spaces are limited.

Mom of three, Tami Forrest, says while she was a bit hesitant to venture out, she’s happy with the rules in place.

“I’m still a little hesitant with things being reopened, but I think it’s more important I’ve got three kids to get ’em out and try and get them a little bit distracted from everything that got pulled away from them so early in March.”

She said she was satisfied with how lifeguards maintained the two-metre distancing rule between swimmers not in the same groups.

“The precautions are good,” she said. “I actually don’t mind the fact that you have to call in and reserve a spot because then you know for sure you’re getting in. The lifeguards, they’re keeping a good track on everybody, so it’s good.”

Mom “Carrie”, also lauded the new rules in place, but wished that people could prepay for their time, instead of waiting in a lineup at the pool’s entrance.

“It could be a little better organized, but it’s otherwise good,” she said.

And dad Paul Prone said he had no issues with taking his kids swimming or the new rules. His daughter, however, was scared of one thing.

“I’m a bit scared it’s going to be cold ’cause it’s very windy.”

The pools are open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Weekends and holidays they’re open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.