Dive into summer: Vancouver's outdoor pools and beaches open this weekend
Starting Saturday outdoor pools at Kitsilano Beach Park, Second Beach and New Brighton Park open
Even if the forecast for this Victoria Day weekend isn't all that bright, the Vancouver Park Board's announcement that outdoor pools will open, is a sure sign of summer.
Starting Saturday, the outdoor pool at Kitsilano Beach Park, Second Beach in Stanley Park, New Brighton Park and Hillcrest Centre will be open. Maple Grove Pool in Kerrisdale will open on June 18.
More than gulls swimming in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KitsPool?src=hash">#KitsPool</a> tomorrow! <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkBoard">@ParkBoard</a> opens most outdoor pools this weekend <a href="https://twitter.com/CBCEarlyEdition">@CBCEarlyEdition</a> <a href="https://t.co/gRpNTSbrvZ">pic.twitter.com/gRpNTSbrvZ</a>
—@CBCMargaretGSummer staffing also begins for park rangers and lifeguards. Lifeguards will patrol 11 supervised bathing beaches in the city through to the Labour Day weekend.
All of the city's water parks are also now open — except for Lumberman's Arch, which is undergoing repairs and will open in June.
The waterparks now all have push buttons so they can continue to operate even if water restrictions come into place.
"If you're in one of the spray parks and hit one of the buttons, you get five minutes of water and that allows us to continue through the water restrictions," said Shauna Wilton, acting director of recreation with the Vancouver Park Board.
The Vancouver Park Board reminds visitors that all beaches and parks are smoke-free and while voluntary compliance through education is their main goal, rangers can issue fines.
With files from the CBC's The Early Edition and Margaret Gallagher.
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