Surrey’s spray parks, outdoor pools and the swimming area at Crescent Beach will be open for water enthusiasts this summer with new protocols to ensure community safety.

“As a former competitive swimmer, lifeguard and a lifelong water sports enthusiast, I fully recognize the importance of having aquatic amenities during the sunny summer months,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “That is why I am so pleased to announce that we have taken the necessary steps to open our outdoor pools, spray parks and beach services for all to use and enjoy. With the ongoing pandemic, we have made some adjustments to ensure for health and safety, and you can help us by observing physical distancing and bringing your own hand sanitizer with you. I look forward to seeing you and your family this summer.”

The schedule of openings:

•June 15: Spray Parks at Bear Creek Park, Fleetwood Park, South Surrey Athletic Park, Cloverdale Athletic Park, Unwin Park, Erma Stephenson Park, Goldstone Park, Newton Athletic Park, Bridgeview Park and Hazelgrove Park.

•June 27: Outdoor Pools at Kwantlen Park, Bear Creek Park, Hjorth Road Park and Greenaway Park.

•June 27: Crescent Beach Lifeguarding services begin

•July 4: Outdoor Pools at Sunnyside Park, Unwin Park, Port Kells Park and Holly Park

Visitors are reminded to help keep spray parks open by staying home if sick and avoiding crowds and gatherings. Please bring your own hand cleaner and maintain physical distance from others. The spray park at Hawthorne Park is scheduled to reopen in late July once construction of this new community amenity is complete.

All pools will offer modified public swims and community swim lessons. Public safety considerations include reduced swimming capacity, distance markings, and enhanced first aid and lifeguard rescue procedures. To support the beach and pool operations, Surrey’s COVID-19 compliance and enforcement team will be monitoring the sites and assist, should any concerns be observed.

The decision to open these services is aligned with Phase Two of the British Columbia Re-Start Plan, emphasizing outdoor recreation spaces as a safe environment, and stressing “appropriate personal hygiene practices before, during and after outdoor play.” The opening of the swimming facilities is also informed by BC & Yukon Lifesaving Society recommendations for safe lifeguard operations. Based on information from the US Centre for Disease Control, “There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, or water playgrounds. Additionally, proper operation of these aquatic venues and disinfection of the water should inactivate the virus.”