Outdoor Pools to Open July 2

Monday, June 29, 2020 - 12:00 PM
Bowring Park Swimming Pool

The City of St. John’s is pleased to announce that the outdoor pools at Bannerman and Bowring Park will open on July 2, for lane and “bubble” swimming only.

A further announcement will be made on splash pads as soon as they are ready for operations.

Regulations announced by the provincial government for Alert Level 2 will mean some changes in the way City pools operate.

Please note that children 12 years of age an under must always be accompanied by an adult supervisor (19+). To allow as many people as possible to access the pool during the day, patrons are asked to be prepared to get in and out of the water quickly and leave the site immediately after exiting the water.

  • Swimming pool capacities in Alert Level 2 are 50 persons total, including staff, depending on the site. 
  • All swimmers will be asked to sign in with a name and contact info. 
  • Swimmers will be expected to stay within their bubble during a swim and keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet away from others not in your bubble in the water, on the deck, shower and washroom areas.  
  • Washrooms are available at the outdoor swimming pools but there is no access to lockers or change-stalls; designated spaces are available on the pool deck for personal belongings. Staff are unable to hold belongings for you, so do not bring valuables with you.
  • Showers are to be taken prior to getting in the water as required in the Public Pool Regulations. Shower facilities are not available after swimming; therefore, it is recommended you come dressed and ready to participate. Please note showers are not heated at outdoor swimming pools. 
  • Equipment will not be available at any site until further notice with the exception of lifejackets, which are limited. 
  • Patrons may bring their own lifejackets, kickboards, flippers, hand-paddles and pull-buoys. These items are not to be shared with anyone outside your personal bubble. Please do NOT bring any floats or inflatables to the pool, they will be denied.    
  • Accessible equipment is available including chair lifts. Staff will clean any accessible equipment after each use. Patrons who require assistance must wear a mask while less than 6 feet/2 metres from staff. Masks are to be removed as soon as the swimmer enters the water.  
  • Day camp, community group and other rentals are not available.
  • The tot/wading pool, diving board and waterslide are unavailable at Bowring Park Pool until further notice.  

Please keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet/2 metres from our lifeguard staff when possible. Our lifeguards are still rescue ready and willing to help you as always. If physical distancing cannot be maintained, our lifeguards are trained to ensure everyone’s safety.  

For full schedules, and other rules and regulations for pools please visit the City’s website.