The outdoor swimming season in Vancouver has officially begun, with two of the city's five outdoor pools opening this weekend. Despite the possibility of cool and damp weather on Victoria Day weekend, the park board has confirmed that New Brighton and Second Beach pools will welcome swimmers starting Saturday.
Pool Opening Details
Registration for the first swim times at the outdoor pools opened via Showpass on Wednesday. Park board officials have stated that 25 percent of spaces will be reserved for drop-in sessions, though admission is not guaranteed depending on demand. Maple Grove and Hillcrest Outdoor pools are scheduled to open on Monday, June 15. Kitsilano pool is also expected to open in mid-June, but no firm date has been set due to ongoing repairs.
Beach Lifeguard Supervision
From Saturday through September 7, lifeguards will supervise designated swimming areas at Spanish Banks West, Spanish Banks East, Jericho, Locarno, Kitsilano, Sunset, English Bay, Second, and Third beaches. This ensures safe swimming conditions for residents and visitors alike.
Alcohol Permitted at Select Beaches
Starting this weekend, residents and visitors are permitted to consume alcohol at seven beaches: Jericho, Spanish Banks, Locarno, Second Beach, Kits Beach, John Hendry, and New Brighton beaches. However, alcohol remains prohibited at English Bay, Sunset, Third, and Crab Park beaches, as well as any beaches along the Fraser River. The park board approved this program following two years of successful pilot projects, emphasizing that it is dependent on beachgoers being responsible and considerate of others.
Season End Dates
The outdoor pool season is scheduled to end on September 7 at Second Beach, Maple Grove, and Hillcrest outdoor pools. The season at Kitsilano and New Brighton outdoor pools will conclude on September 13.
Weather Outlook
Saturday may be chilly for swimming, with a few showers expected and a high of 15 degrees Celsius. However, the rest of the long weekend looks warmer, with Sunday and Monday's forecast calling for a mix of sun and cloud and highs of 17 degrees Celsius.
