Outdoor swimming and wading pools to open

Gatineau, June 18, 2020. – Gatineau will be opening its outdoor swimming and wading pools equipped with filtration systems on June 20 so that families can cool off and have some fun on warm summer days. There will be restrictions on the number of swimmers, and measures will be applied to ensure that government instructions are followed. Gatineau wants its residents to make the most of summer safely.

At a glance

●	The seven outdoor swimming pools and five of the eight outdoor wading pools will be open to swimmers. - To reduce the risk of contagion, the three wading pools without filtration or chlorination systems will remain closed until further notice.

●	To maintain physical distancing in the water, a maximum of 30 to 50 people will be permitted at any given time, depending on the size of the pool. This will represent approximately 30% of normal capacity.

●	Swimming will be limited to 45-minute intervals, with regular disinfection of surfaces in-between.

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Additional sanitary measures will be set in place by Gatineau to ensure the public's safety: - swimmers will be asked a few health questions when they arrive to assess the sanitary risks; - hand sanitizer will be available at the pool entrances; - the change rooms will not be open, so swimmers must arrive properly attired for swimming; - swimmers will have access to mixed-sex toilets; - swimmers will leave the area through a different gate than where they entered; and - an additional employee will be on hand at each pool to greet swimmers.

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Swimmers will have to take certain safety precautions: - hand sanitizing upon entering; - showering before going into the pool; - maintaining a minimum distance from other swimmers and the lifeguards; - masks and face coverings, and the use of snorkels are not permitted in the water; - the use of goggles is strongly recommended; - the markings on the ground must be followed; and - equipment may only be shared among members of a same household.

●	The Government of Quebec has not yet authorized beaches to reopen, so Gatineau's beaches remain officially closed.

●	Gatineau currently has 39 splash pads accessible every day until 8 p.m. in different parks.

A few tips for managing during heat waves

●	Keep hydrated throughout the day: - a minimum of one glass of water every 20 minutes is recommended; and - a bottle of ice water or a drink with electrolytes is strongly recommended.

●	Avoid direct exposure to the sun, and use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

●	Wear a hat or a cap.

●	Wear light clothing that allows perspiration vapour to escape, sunglasses and lip balm with sun protection.

●	If you are attending an outdoor event, try to limit your exposure to the sun and try to stay in the shade.

●	Never leave children, seniors or animals unattended in a vehicle, even if the windows are open.

●	Watch for the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion: - dizziness; - vertigo; - headache; - nausea; - unusual tiredness; - confusion; - loss of balance; - altered state of consciousness; or - loss of consciousness.

●	If you get heat stroke, immerse yourself fully clothed in the water to cool off.

Associated links

Outdoor swimming pools

Wading pools

Images

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