Atlasville pool can only open when lifeguards are appointed

The CoE has confirmed that the delay in appointing seasonal lifeguards is the main reason the Atlasville swimming pool is still closed.

The metro responded to the Boksburg Advertiser’s enquiry after an oversight visit to the pool by Ward 23 Clr Gerald Goslin.

He went there to inspect the facility and find out why the pool had remained closed despite announcements that it would open on November 1.

According to metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, no swimming pool can open to the public without lifeguards because this would be a safety risk.
Dlamini, who previously said they have almost finished appointing lifeguards at public pools and will start at the beginning of November, could not confirm when the pool will reopen.

“They did the interviews on October 5 and submitted the recommendations for appointments of successful candidates for approval to corporate HR.
“Upon finalisation of the appointments, the candidates will be ready to resume work,” explained Dlamini.

The CoE boasts 37 swimming pools, and in August, it promised that of this total, it would reopen 18 on September 1.

However, some pools remained closed for various reasons, including delayed appointments of lifeguards, general maintenance, poor water quality and damaged equipment.

Dlamini previously blamed this on budgetary problems and ageing equipment that has reached the end of its lifespan, making it hard to keep the pools operational.
According to Goslin, the city is not giving feedback regarding the pool in his ward.

He said part of the issue is the city has not taken care of its amenities, stating the departments responsible for the maintenance were not coming to the party.
“The Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture are stakeholders in the maintenance of the pool. We are waiting for them to say this is what we will bring forward. The grass has not been cut, and there are broken windows. None of the small things that can be taken care of have been done.”

However, Dlamini said grass-cutting at pools happens, and the equipment gets rotated between the pools.

“It must also be factored in that due to the rainy season, the grass grows quicker than usual, but we are paying attention to this matter just like all our other spaces.”

Dlamini said the city is in the final stages of appointing contractors to repair buildings and replace defective equipment at all swimming pools.

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