In preparation for the hectic festive and swimming season, the City of Ekurhuleni has issued safety measures aimed at ensuring safety at all its swimming pools.
The municipal swimming pools, which are spread across the City, were officially opened on September 1.
“Everyone is aware that this time of the year our people visit the pools to unwind and enjoy themselves. In order to avoid any tragedy, we have decided to proactively make the safety tips public through the media and posters which we will be putting up at these facilities,” said City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
“It must be remembered that some of the pools are new and just opened to the communities, so we have an obligation to protect lives and ensure communities optimise their existence.”
The safety measures for the swimming pools that will be operational during the festive season include:
• Lifeguards patrol the swimming pool area, control the bathers, do water treatment, perform lifesaving duties.
• No back flips or front flips are allowed for diving.
• Swimming pools have a maximum bather load.
• The EMPD will be deployed at some of the very busy swimming pools to try to control bather numbers when entering the swimming pool area at a particular time.
• Each pool has a set of rules erected on the wall pertaining to usage and safety which must be adhered to all times, including behaviour in a public swimming pool.
• It is not advisable to swim on a full stomach.
• Alcohol is strictly forbidden at swimming pools.
• Parents must always accompany their children to public swimming pools. No child under the age of 10 will be allowed in the water unless accompanied by an adult.
Ekurhuleni has three types of pool categories with different facilities.
These have different entry fees. Category A is an indoor heated swimming pool and is an arena for competitive swimming competitions, while category B pools are mainly outdoor pools with grandstands, and category C pools are standard with basic amenities.
Entrance fee to community pools according to their categories are as follows:
• Category A – R15
• Category B – R10
• Category C – R5
