WEYBURN — The familiar splash of summer will go quiet at the Weyburn Leisure Centre’s outdoor pool after Labour Day, Sept. 1, marking the official end of the swimming season. The decision to close, which the City of Weyburn acknowledges has raised questions, is based on a combination of staffing shortages, cooling nighttime weather and high operational costs.
In a detailed explanation on social media, the city said the primary reason for the early September closure is a lack of certified lifeguards.
“We surveyed our lifeguards to see who was available and we simply didn’t have the staff needed to operate past Sept. 1,” said the city. “Without certified lifeguards, we can’t open the pool. Safety comes first.”
Beyond staffing, the city pointed to the inevitable turn in seasonal conditions.
“September brings a sharp drop in temperatures. Overnight lows often dip to 8–10 C, and the sun sets earlier, reducing usable daylight. And while a few brave swimmers power through, most folks decide it’s just not worth the goosebumps. Cooler conditions affect both safety and attendance. Every year, when the weather shifts, so does the crowd.”
The significant cost of running the large facility is another factor.
“Heating more than 820,000 litres of water, staffing, maintenance and utilities all add up,” said the city. “We’re committed to offering great recreation experiences, but we also have to balance that with responsible use of public resources.”
While the outdoor pool closes Sept. 1, younger children will have a few more weeks to play. The Young Fellows paddling pool and the spray park at Don Mitchell Tot Lot will remain open until Sept. 14.
The city said it hoped its explanation provided a clearer picture of the decision.
“These decisions aren’t made lightly. They’re based on data, planning and a commitment to safety and responsible operations.”
While the outdoor pool will be open on Labour Day, the Spark Centre will be closed.
