Summer has officially arrived, and you may be looking for ways to beat the heat.
The Lion Ken Gabbey Community outdoor pool is just one option.
Town of Riverview Aquatics Coordinator Heather Reinsborough says it officially opened on Monday.
“We do swimming lessons in the mornings, five days a week. We also do swimming lessons in the evenings on select days. And then we’re full tilt with open swims. So we try and offer as many opportunities for people around the community to come in, swim, and cool off all summer long,” Reinsborough explained.
The pool is fully staffed by lifeguards and swim instructors, who are first recruited in September.
“How we staff our outdoor pool is we use the lifeguards that work with us all year round (at Pat Crossman Memorial Aquatic Centre), and they help manage both the indoor and outdoor pool during the summer. What we do is all of our guards who have been with us all season inside and have been trained up; they then get the opportunity to work outside all summer long,” Reinsbough explained.
The Pat Crossman Memorial Aquatic Centre remains open for those who have sun sensitivities, but on a reduced schedule. “We still offer indoor swim times. It’s really important for us to have the option for anyone who requires a place inside to swim based on what’s going on. We’re mindful that people have had skin cancer, and we hear from them at the front desk how much they appreciate the ability to be able to swim inside,” Reinsborough added.
The Lion Ken Gabbey community outdoor pool is open seven days a week throughout the summer.
They’ve partnered with Serenity Pools to offer free open swims on Fridays. You’ll still have to come in with an adult if you’re not of age and may still have to do a swim test, but your fees will be waived.
