Photo courtesy of Scott Roblin

By Scott Roblin

Redcliff Pool

Aquatic Centre re-opens to Redcliff residents

Jun 29, 2020 | 4:46 PM

REDCLIFF, AB – Despite the grey and rainy weather that Monday brought, Redcliff residents were able to return to their community pool for the first time in 2020.

The Redcliff Aquatic Centre formally opened for the season on Monday after a delayed opening due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s positive news for the Town of Redcliff, as director of community and protective services Derrin Thibault said they’ve been able to hire roughly 90 percent of their facility staff back.

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“I didn’t know that we were going to get such a large response because we had asked people to go ahead and find other jobs because we weren’t going to have anything available,” said Thibault. “The uptake was really good and we were happy to be able to open the facility. The parks and rec staff did a really great job moving as fast as they did to get things in place.”

A number of safety protocols are in place at the Redcliff pool including physical distancing lines both at the front desk and on the pool deck, increased training for lifeguards, extra rounds of cleaning and sanitizing, and limiting time spent in the change rooms.

Swimmers are being asked to change at home if possible this summer, while parents are encouraged to help little ones in and out of the pool.

“We have lifeguards that used to help certain aged kids,” said Thibault. “We’re asking that the parents stay and help those kids from a physical distancing perspective.”

Demand for the pool has been growing with the pandemic keeping most Redcliff residents indoors over the last few months, with swim lessons already booked for most of the summer.

Thibault also asked the public to be patient with staff as regular cleanings between swim times have become a necessity.

“The front door may be locked every now and again,” he said. “Once the cleaning is complete, the staff will open up the front door and folks can make their way through. We’re hoping that if they come with their swimsuit, they can leave with their swimsuit on out the side gates.”

Finishing touches on Redcliff’s new spray park in Lion’s Park are being completed with an anticipated opening day of Canada Day on Wednesday.

More information can be found on the Town of Redcliff’s website and Facebook page.