Gerdview swimmers cause for concern
Busi Vilakazi Being on adjusted level on lockdown means restrictions are more relaxed and more activities can be done. This has caused concerns for some residents of Gerdview, regarding activities that have been taking place at public swimming pools, as these are now operational. This is not the first time residents have complained about the
Being on adjusted level on lockdown means restrictions are more relaxed and more activities can be done.
This has caused concerns for some residents of Gerdview, regarding activities that have been taking place at public swimming pools, as these are now operational.
This is not the first time residents have complained about the pool.
Locals expressed concerns about Covid-19 protocol.
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A Gerdview resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told GCN children and lifeguards are not wearing masks while making use of the swimming pools.
The man added that children are not accompanied by adults either.
He said yellow lines painted on fencing around the pool, to guide social distancing, are ignored and that the markings do not meet the distance requirements.
Those making use of the swimming pool were also accused of urinating against the fence.
The Gerdview resident told GCN some of the children are often spotted in the road in front of the swimming pool, forcing motorists to drive around them.
He added that residents often have to clean up the park near the pool as the area is littered with rubbish after children had left.
“Cars are also parked in the park, even though the by-laws state no cars are allowed in a park,” the man said.
City of Ekurheleni (CoE) spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said two lifeguards are on duty at the pool during operating hours.
“These lifeguards are responsible for controlling the crowd. They are only responsible to control the crowd inside with a maximum user load for Gerdview swimming pool of 150 users at one time,” said Dlamini.
He said gates are closed at all municipal swimming pool when the pool area has reached its limit.
“Users waiting outside the swimming pool have the responsibility to keep a social distance while waiting to enter the swimming pool, as the lifeguards are responsible for the safety of the swimmers inside the swimming pool and on the terrain,” said Dlamini.
He said Covid-19 protocol must be adhered to.
“All users entering the swimming pool have to sanitise their hands before entering and also wear a mask until they enter the swimming pool. Regular patrols on terrain and in the change rooms are done by the lifeguards and security officer on duty,” said Dlamini.
Contact the newsroom by emailing:
Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za
