IS IT SAFE FOR ME TO PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAMS?
We are working hard to make programs as safe as possible in this time of uncertainty. It is of the utmost importance that we all continue to follow the rules set by the health authorities to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
The opening of Al Anderson Memorial Pool complies with Phase 2 of British Columbia’s Restart Plan, the BC & Yukon Lifesaving Society recommendations for safe lifeguard operations, as well as guidelines developed by the Regional Health Authorities, Ministry of Health, and the BC Centre for Disease Control.
Based on the information provided by our local health authorities, there is no evidence that the COVID-19 virus can spread through the water at pools, hot tubs, or spray parks, and proper disinfection of these aquatic venues should inactivate the virus.
I DO NOT SEE SWIMMING LESSONS – WHEN WILL THEY BY OFFERED?
Aquatics programs have been traditionally offered with direct contact between staff and participants and, as a result, will not be running this summer to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
HOW CAN I HELP KEEP PROGRAMS SAFE?
For all, personal protective measures can be implemented to increase your comfort and safety. Please refer to all current recommendations from Health Authorities regarding the steps you can take to increase your personal safety at this time. Personal hygiene measures such as increased hand washing is required and encouraged throughout programs.
If you are sick, stay at home. This expectation will be strictly enforced, no exceptions!
WILL THE CHANGEROOM, LOCKERS AND SHOWERS AVAILABLE?
Showers will be available on the pool deck. Langley City encourages patrons to shower at home before, and after swimming since access to the change rooms is limited to a one-way flow to encourage physical distancing. Lockers will also not be available during this time.
THE MAXIMUM FOR PUBLIC SWIM IS 71, WHAT ABOUT THE 50 PEOPLE GATHERING LIMIT?
The PHO order banning mass gatherings over 50 people, which is expected to be enforced through the BC Restart Plan’s Phase One through Three, is specific to social gatherings that are singular, one-time events where people are engaged in one common activity. While the spirit of the order applies in all circumstances, according to the BCCDC the adherence to the 50-person limit does not apply to recreational activities where the size of space enables appropriate physical distancing between people.
Facilities that may accommodate more than 50 people for activities that are not episodic, space calculations will guide the number of people in a space that will adhere to the physical distancing requirement.
WHY ARE YOU ALLOWING SO MANY ONLINE RESERVATIONS? WHY CAN'T IT ALL BE FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED?
We are following the guidelines of the Provincial Health Officer, as well as the Lifesaving Society. We need to eliminate ‘line ups’ and having large numbers of people gathering together. This is why we are recommending that people register in advance to avoid this from happening.
THE SWIM IS FULL. CAN WE WAIT & SEE IF PEOPLE WHO REGISTERED DON'T SHOW UP?
If people have registered and paid online, they have the space available to them. They could show up 15 minutes before the swim ends.
THE SWIM IS FULL. CAN WE WAIT FOR PEOPLE TO LEAVE & GO IN?
Unfortunately no. Participants will be exiting the pool from the outside and our guards cannot keep track of the number of people coming and going. Please encourage customers to come for the next available swim.
CAN I USE CHANGEROOMS & SHOWERS?
We have a 20 person maximum in our change rooms and they are one-way only (entering the pool). come ‘swim ready’! Showers are available on the pool deck. Changerooms are not available after the swim so yes, they will be leaving in their bathing suits. The family change room will be open for washrooms only. There is also a washroom located outside of the pool on the side side of the building. The washrooms also have maximum capacity numbers listed.
ARE LOCKERS AVAILABLE?
Lockers are not available. We do have cubbies on the pool deck.
CAN YOU HOLD ON TO MY WALLET, KEYS ETC? WHILE I SWIM?
No. We do not want to be responsible for other people’s belongings. Additionally, we have to eliminate touching items that belong to other people.
CAN I SIT IN THE BLEACHERS & WATCH MY CHILD/FAMILY SWIM?
Bleachers are not going to be open to the public. If someone wants access to the bleachers, they have to pay for space (if space is available). Bleachers are part of our facility and are included in the maximum number of people we can host.
WHAT IS THE CAPACITY? WHERE DID YOU COME UP WITH THE NUMBERS?
We are following the guidelines of the Lifesaving Society, BCRPA & Regional Health Authorities and have calculated our maximum numbers based on those requirements. Capacity numbers are listed in the table above.
WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?
For online registrations: a refund will be issued with a minimum of 2 hours’ notice. This will either be a credit on their account or a cheque refund. We are not able to provide credit card, debit card, or cash refunds.
