The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has reopened 11 of its 37 swimming pools in time for the swimming season, which runs from September 1 to March 31.

According to the city’s spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, the remaining 26 facilities are still closed due to issues such as vandalism, theft, refurbishments, and delays in the procurement of pool supplies.

In Kathorus and Alberton, the situation is particularly tough for residents, with only two pools currently operational.

Dlamini said the Vosloorus Swimming Pool has reopened but still needs overflow channel repairs, while the Eden Park Swimming Pool is open despite facing a shortage of lifeguards.

The rest of the local facilities remain closed:

Alberton – closed due to uneven pavement and broken overflow covers.

Ward 37 Councillor Ivan Naidoo said safety concerns are behind the delay: “The Ward Councillor and the SAHRC have delayed reopening the pool until maintenance issues are resolved, as they could hinder user safety. These matters have been escalated to the relevant departments, and once addressed, a notice of opening will be posted.”

Leondale – closed because the paving around the pool needs to be replaced.

Katlehong – will not reopen as the pool is built on dolomitic ground.

Palm Ridge – closed because there is no power supply to the filter room.

Thokoza – closed as the pool shell must be repaired and painted. Staff have been redeployed to the Eden Park pool.

This means residents in Alberton, Katlehong, Leondale, Palm Ridge and Thokoza will have no access to municipal pools, leaving Vosloorus and Eden Park as the only available public facilities.

With many local pools closed, ER24 has issued general swimming safety tips for households with pools:

• Keep your pool covered with an approved safety/pool net when not in use. Consider installing a fence if the pool is not already fenced.
• Ensure children are always supervised by an adult while swimming.
• Secure your pool area with barriers that cannot be pushed down by young children.
• Stay within arm’s length of little children, especially if the water is murky.
• Prevent children from playing rough or jumping on top of one another in the pool.
• Adults supervising children must be able to swim.
• Familiarise yourself with emergency numbers in your area. In case of a medical emergency, dial 084 124 anywhere in South Africa.

Safety tips issued by ER24