Things going swimmingly at Turner Valley pool

A pandemic didn't stop a Black Diamond family from taking a dip in the local swimming hole during the recent heat wave.

"It's been different but it's been fun — right girls?" Renee Webster said to her three daughter prior to entering the Dr. Lander Memorial Pool on Aug. 6. "We are happy that it is open. We will take what we can get. We come about once a week."

The outdoor pool has been open since July 9 and so far things have gone relatively swimmingly, despite the restrictions put in place due to COVID-19.

The Websters had to book their appointment for the Aug. 6 recreation swim at 2 p.m. The pool is limited to 40 people.

"We come about once a week, but last week we didn't get in at all during the heat wave," Webster said. "But it's better than nothing."

Webster said with the precautions taken at the pool, she feels '100-per cent' safe bringing herself and her three daughters for a cooling dip.

However, it's not your typical day at the pool as compared to previous years.

"It's been going really well," said Avery Woods, deck supervisor at the pool. "Right now we have 40 people on the dot and that's our maximum."

Reservations are taken over the phone or online.

The pool has both public swim and a registered group swim. In that swim, it is restricted to residents from areas where ratepayers support the pool, that being from Foothills County, Black Diamond and Turner Valley.

Registered group swim, which will allow up to three groups of people and a maximum of 13 per group, will allow only cohorts - patrons who can be in close contact like families.

“The plan is to offer one section for tots and young families and the other two to youth and adults,” said Monique LeBlanc, Turner Valley community services and business development manager. “If an exercise group wanted to book deeper into the pool to do some aqua fitness they would be able to if they’re cohort.”

Woods said, unfortunately, some people have been turned away due to the limitation.

The rules are be prepared.

"So we advertise that you come dressed to swim and when you leave, you leave out the gate at the side," Woods said.

Washrooms in the change area can be used.

"If people want to go to the washroom they can," Woods said. "We try to limit that as much as we can. Everybody has been very good about following the rules. We have not had too many issues." 

LeBlanc said the pool attendance is down substantially in terms of occupancy because of the restrictions. 

"We have been able to offer aqua-fit and lane swim and those are 100 per cent booked with a waiting list," LeBlanc said.

As for Renee's question:"It's been fun — right girls?" the response was a loud "Yeah" from the three Websters.

To register for a swim time email [email protected] or call 403-933-7483.

For more details visit http://turnervalley.ca/services/facilities-parks/dr-lander-memorial-swimming-pool/

With files from Tammy Rollie