Pools make a splash in the heat

By Lethbridge Herald on August 1, 2024.

Herald file photo Residents cool off at Henderson Pool during a previous summer.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
LETHBRIDGE HERALD

With the intense heat we have been experiencing lately, many residents have look for ways to cool down and have found refuge in water, some in outdoor pools while others prefer indoor pools. 

“Because of the heat wave there’s going to be a lot more people that want to spend the day around the pool as it’s a good way to cool off and or outdoor facility is great for that,” said Cole Wirun, head lifeguard at Westminster pool. 

He added that even though many might be concerned about sun exposure while visiting an outdoor pool, their facility has plenty of shade. 

“When it comes to the smoke, it hasn’t really affected us that much yet. Our numbers (attendance) have stayed around the same, no less, no more,” said Wirun. 

While many residents are utilizing outdoor pools like Westminster pool and Henderson pool, many still prefer to escape the heat, sun and other weather conditions all together by going to indoor pools. Such is the case for the Cor Van Raay YMCA of Lethbridge pool. 

Jillian Johnston, aquatic manager for the YMCA of Lethbridge, said they have seen an increase in the pool usage not only by members but also by people just coming in for the day as drop-ins.

 “We’ve definitely noticed an uptick of people utilizing the facility which has been really great, that means that people are choosing a safe place to come swimming with lifeguards instead of cooling off by doing other things like floating down the river,” said Johnston. 

She added those coming to the facility are also learning how to use a lifejacket properly and multiple ways of being safe while in the water. 

“We’ve also noticed an increase in drop-ins and people who have memberships using the pool a couple of times a day to come in and cool off,” said Johnston. 

She said people have also been visiting the facilities outside of the pool to escape the heat and utilizing other amenities within the building. 

“We have noticed that people are hanging out in our facility a little bit longer than usual,  we have noticed that kids when they come in if they are a little bit more red and tired they are choosing to hang out in our hallway for a little bit,” said Johnston. 

She added that she has also noticed people choosing to use their pool as opposed to going to an outdoor pool. 

“Normally during the summer we do see a lot of people head over to the Henderson pool, but we have noticed this year possibly due to the UV index, that people are choosing an indoor option, which means people are being sun-smart and we are excited about that as well,” said Johnston. 

After  a brief respite from the heat, temperatures are forecast to rise again with a high of 34 today, 32 on Friday and 31 on Saturday. 

A 40 per cent chance of rain is in the forecast  for Sunday with less than 10 millimetres expected and a high of 27.

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