SASKATOON — The City of Saskatoon has released updated health and safety measures in all of its leisure facilities to protect patrons and employees and address the spread of COVID-19’s Delta variant in the community.
The administration took an assertive approach to staff safety that they outlined in a report to the city council last Monday. All updated health and safety measures at city leisure facilities were implemented effective Wednesday.
Masks, or any non-medical face masks, are again mandatory when accessing the city’s indoor facilities including leisure centres, indoor arenas, golf course buildings and buildings at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo.
Masks must be worn while participating in physical activities except for aquatic activities. Signs will be in place to remind all visitors to wear a mask and a limited supply of disposable masks will be available for those who may not have one, for the first two weeks.
Red Cross Swim lessons were also modified for the fall as the city continues to prioritize staff safety. The following are now to be followed:
- Water Safety Instructors will deliver swim lessons from the pool deck (except for demonstrations) for all swim levels.
- Red Cross Swim Preschool Programs and Swim Kids 1-4 require a parent/guardian in the water to assist swimmers. A maximum of two children can be with one parent/guardian. Deep water activities for these levels will be changed to chest deep water (where applicable) to accommodate parents/guardians who may not have swimming abilities.
- To allow for appropriate space, lesson capacities may need to be reduced for levels requiring a parent or guardian. Recreation and Community Development staff are currently reviewing lesson offerings and capacities and will work with registrants displaced from fall lessons to provide options. Those affected will be contacted directly.
- Lessons scheduled to begin Thursday, Sept. 2 at Shaw Centre are rescheduled to begin on Thursday, Sept. 9, changing the total number of lessons from 10 sessions to eight sessions. This is being done to allow staff time to review lesson offerings and to work with registrants displaced on options available. Participants will be credited for the reduction in lessons.
The city apologizes for the sudden changes to Red Cross Swim lessons and understands the modifications are not ideal for all participants registered for fall lessons. Parents or guardians impacted by the change to Preschool and Swim Kids 1-4 should confirm whether or not they can be in the water with their child by contacting leisureonline@saskatoon.ca or any Leisure Centre during operating hours by Thursday. Options will be provided to parents/guardians that cannot be in the water.
- Cosmo Civic Centre: 306-975-3344
- Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre: 306-975-3321
- Lakewood Civic Centre: 306-975-2944
- Lawson Civic Centre: 306-975-7873
- Saskatoon Field House: 306-975-3354
- Shaw Centre: 306-975-7744
Drop-in Programs
Starting September 1, a majority of drop-in programs will no longer require pre-booking. A reservation will only be required for select drop-in programs that have limited facility space or program equipment. Drop-in program information including class times, locations and program reservations will be available at saskatoon.ca/leisureonline.
Any further impacts to City programs and services this fall resulting from enhanced health and safety measures will be shared with residents on the City’s website and social media channels.
