The Martensville Aquatic Centre staff will be back in the swim of things this weekend.
The pool is slated to begin operations at Saturday morning, June 5.
“Everything is pretty much ready for the season to start,” said Martensville Recreation and Community Services Director Ted Schaeffer in an interview May 31. “Opening day is traditionally held in conjunction with Martensville Buster Days.
“And so far, the weather forecast looks pretty good, with some very hot temperatures all week. So we’re expecting the pool to be a busy place.”
Schaeffer said the aquatic centre has a full complement of staff, including two co-managers, 15 lifeguards and three cashiers.
“The co-managers, Emma Anthony and Rachel Andres, are both returning from last year,” said Schaeffer. “And we have quite a few returning lifeguards as well. A lot of the young people working at the pool are from the local area, and they come back every year because it’s a good opportunity for them.”
Schaeffer said the pool is in good shape, and staff are currently working to get the water temperature and chemical balance just right before welcoming patrons.
He noted that last year, an additional heat exchanger was installed on the boiler to help regulate the pool’s water temperature.
“The boiler for this pool is more than sufficient,” said Schaeffer. “But it just needed a second heat exchanger to give it a little boost. It will help keep the water temperature up, especially early and late in the season when the temperature of the air drops overnight.”
Schaeffer said the aquatic centre will be following COVID-19 protocols according to the province’s re-opening plan. He noted that many of the same practices that were in place last summer will be carried over into this season.
“We will have a limit of 100 people inside the pool grounds at any one time,” said Schaeffer. “Fifty of the spots will be open for pre-registration, while the other fifty spots will be available for walk-in traffic.”
Pre-registration for public swim times is available up to three days in advance through the City of Martensville website.
Schaeffer said swimming lessons are filling up fast since registration opened in mid-May.
“We still have some spots available,” he said. “The best thing to do if you want to sign up is check the website.”