**** Halifax Media Release

Municipal beaches and outdoor pools open on Canada Day for summer season

Municipal beaches and the outdoor pools at the Halifax Common and Bedford (Shore Drive) officially open to the public on Monday, July 1. The Cole Harbour (Colby Drive) outdoor pool is expected to open in the coming weeks.

There are a variety of beaches, lakes, and outdoor pools across the Halifax region, many of which are supervised by trained lifeguards. All municipal lifeguards hold National Lifeguard Service certification and are equipped with a variety of emergency supplies to help with water rescues.

Beginning Saturday, June 29 all splash pads, with the exception of the Common splash pad, will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily. The Halifax Common pool and splash pad will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Canada Day.

Daily supervision throughout the summer months will also take place at most municipal beaches. Residents are advised there is no weekend supervision at Malay Falls or Kinap Beach.

The following are some helpful tips for anyone spending time around the water this summer:

• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Know your swimming limits. If you don’t know how to swim, or are a weak swimmer, sign up for our free lessons
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Always swim with a buddy
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Adults should never leave children unsupervised in the water. There should be one adult for every three children under the age of six, or one adult for every six children who are six or seven-years-old. Stay within arm’s reach at all times
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Avoid relying on flotation devices such as rafts, water noodles, or water wings
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Understand the “terrible too’s”. Avoid swimming if you’re too tired, too cold, had too much sun, too much strenuous activity, or are too far from shore
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Avoid diving in unfamiliar or shallow water, which can lead to serious spinal cord injuries

Residents are reminded the municipality is once again offering free swimming lessons, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, junior lifeguard and National Lifeguard Certification programs at all municipal beaches and the Halifax Common outdoor pool.

There are spaces still available in some classes. Residents can register by calling 902-490-6666, by visiting any municipally operated community recreation centre, or by visiting Halifax.ca.

If classes in your community are full, don’t worry. Registration for the second round of free lessons opens on July 11.

For more information including status updates, visit www.halifax.ca/rec/Aquatics/Beaches.php.