Local swimming pools offer beach alternative
Out of over 50 swimming pools in eThekwini, 30 are open to the public as we head into the festive season. The grades A to D swimming pools vary in entry costs, with some being free to access.
THE City of eThekwini is expecting an influx of more than a million visitors over the festive season who will most likely be looking to enjoy Durban’s golden-sand beaches and other swimming facilities that the municipality has on offer.
According to the City, swimming pools offer a means of social interaction and have the ability to bring diverse groups of people together. “The primary aim of the municipality’s swimming pools is to provide and maintain a safe aquatic environment for recreational and competitive activities.”
The mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Cyril Xaba, recently presented the City’s Festive Season Management Plan where he confirmed that 19 of Durban beaches are open for bathing. Xaba also confirmed that 30 out of over 50 municipal swimming pools are open in various parts of the city for the public to enjoy.
He said, “As we edge closer to the festive season, we will continue to monitor and conduct weekly assessments of beach water quality to ensure that residents and visitors are kept abreast of the test results. The latest beach water quality results indicate that 19 Durban beaches are open while four beaches are temporarily closed as investigations to trace the source of pollution are currently underway.”
Also Read: City urges public to follow safety precautions at beaches and swimming pools
The swimming pools that are open include Laguna Paddling, Kings Park indoor and outdoor, Sutton Park, Alex Bulley, Bellair, Durban North, Pipeline Paddling, KwaMashu G, Verulam and South Beach Paddling, among others. The cost of entry to municipal pools varies by grade, starting from Grade A, which is Olympic standard size with electronic systems, heated and often used for indoor competitions. Grade B is Olympic-sized 50m swimming pools while Grade C covers the standard recreational pool and Grade D is for paddling pools and tidal pools with no fences and free access.
During the peak periods of December, January and February, children 12 years old and under pay between R6 and R9 while adults gain entry with a fee between R9 and R19 at swimming pools graded A, B and C. Swimming pools classed as D-grade are free to the public.
Pool operating times:
Summer period – October 1 to April 30:
- Monday to Friday: 06:00–18:00
- Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 09:00–17:00
- Saturday, Sunday and public holidays for coastal pools only: 06:00–17:00
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