It's almost time to get into the swim of things in Vancouver.

The Vancouver Park Board has announced that this Saturday (May 22) it will open the outdoor pools at Kitsilano, New Brighton, and Second Beach to public swimming.

Safety measures at pools:

     * The pools will reopen with reduced capacities.

     * Patrons must arrive “swim-ready”. Change rooms will be closed but washrooms will be open for users. There will be no rentals of swimming goggles or towels.

     * All swim sessions must be registered online in advance. Registration opens May 19.

     * Public swimmers can book a 90-minute swim block, while length swimmers can book for a 45 minute swim period. There will be a 30-minute buffer between swim periods during which time the facilities will be sanitized and prepared for the next group.

     * No show guidelines now in place. Due to limited session availability, customers unable to attend a reserved swim must cancel in advance to receive a refund.

     * Leisure Access Pass holders will be provided with access to the reservation system. Park Board Flexi passes and cash will not be accepted.

     * Physical distancing pods on the pool deck (2.1-m x 2.1-m or 7-ft x 7-ft).

     * Swimming lanes for length swimming will be wider.

For those who prefer the beach to the pool, lifeguards will supervise designated swimming areas at beaches at English Bay, Jericho, Kitsilano, Locarno, Spanish Banks East and West, Sunset, Second, Third, and Trout Lake.

Guidelines at beaches: 

     * Physical distancing requirements of 2-m are mandatory for everyone on beaches (lifeguards and community).

     * Change rooms will remain closed, although bathrooms are open.

     * When lifeguards are performing first aid, only the patient and the lifeguard will be allowed in each first aid room at a time. One parent or guardian from the same household will be allowed to accompany a child.

     * Beachgoers are to keep a minimum of 2-m distance from a lifeguard’s chair.

     * Lifeguards will wear personal protection equipment when on duty.

     * The Park Board will not be deploying rafts at beaches at this time, as there are many obstacles for maintaining community safety and for lifeguards to manage.

And for the little ones, spray parks will begin opening at the following parks: MacLean, Chaldecott, Connaught, Harbour Green, Grandview, Hastings, Oak, Stanley, Prince Edward, Pandora, and Garden.

For more info on Vancouver Park Board outdoor pools and beaches, look here.