The days of being able to get some air time off the diving board before making a splash at Salmon Arm’s public pool are over.
A crack in the former diving board at the SASCU Recreation Centre pool resulted in its removal in the fall of 2022. Afterward, it was found the structure the board connected to was also due for replacement.
In January 2023, former Shuswap Recreation Society (SRS) manager Darby Boyd told the Observer that replacements for the board and structure had been budgeted for, and that the society was also looking to add a climbing wall. However, a subsequent engineering assessment determined neither installation would be straightforward.
The society’s current manager, Darin Gerow, explained an engineer found the concrete deck around the pool isn’t thick enough to support a diving board. Furthermore, the basin doesn’t support the code requirements for the installation of a diving board.
“We’re kind of stuck there for that,” said Gerow. “And, the climbing wall is the exact same thing. The engineer took a look at the floor structure along the deck and it wasn’t thick enough to support a climbing wall.
“It would be a major capital upgrade and we want to focus on keeping the pool operational and looking forward to potential replacement… in the future.”
A positive result of that focus has been expanded public swim times, made possible by having more lifeguards on deck.
“There’s a ratio, a certain number of people on deck allowed to lifeguards on duty, so we did increase that number to allow more people on deck,” said Gerow, noting public feedback has been positive. “We’ll continue doing that.”
The SRS also has the popular floating inflatable obstacle course that is brought out for occasions including a 1-4 p.m. Pro-D Day Swim on Monday, April 29.
The annual Spring Fun Guide is out, offering a range of recreational activities for all ages. One of those activities was a spring break kids camp that proved successful. Gerow said SRS will be offering a five-week summer camp for kids aged seven to 11. The camps will include games, arts and crafts at the Little Mountain Field House and swimming at the pool.
In addition to the pool, the SASCU Recreation Centre’s squash and racquetball courts are available, while at Shaw Centre the ice has come out of Hucul Pond and it is available to rent.
To register for the summer camp or other activities, and/or for more information, visit salmonarmrecreation.ca.
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