Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) said in a statement it is ready to help beat the heat with the opening of all new and revamped community pools, including Nigel and Alrapark, for the swimming season.

In preparation, EMM conducted extensive maintenance and repair works to its pools during the winter season, while constructing some new pools in other areas of the municipality.
The preparation work included an advanced training course for lifeguards that will serve the different communities as qualified lifesavers. They have been trained by Lifesaving South Africa and the certification they obtained is valid for one year and must be renewed annually through theoretical and practical examination.

In an effort to curb the rising number of drowning cases in community pools and ensure the residents’ safety, the municipality is offering patrons of all ages from three years old the learn-to-swim programme conducted by qualified swimming instructors. The programme aims to assist a person with no swimming skills, or even develop intermediate swimmers into advanced swimmers.

EMM’s community swimming pools operating hours are as follow: Nigel and Alrapark swimming pools: Mondays – closed; Tuesdays to Saturdays -10:00 to 18:00; Sundays and public holidays – 14:00 to 18:00. Entrance fee is R5 per person.
“School learners will not be allowed entry to swimming pools during school hours, unless prior arrangements have been made by their school. This is however, subject to approval by EMM’s Sports and Recreation Department,” Temba Gadebe, EMM spokesperson said.