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As public pools across the region slowly welcome back swimmers, people can expect closed change rooms and a requirement to book in advance.

The Esquimalt Recreation Centre’s pool will have its soft reopening between Sept. 15 and 17, and people can reserve their spots online starting at 8 a.m. on Sept. 8. The soft reopening allows pool staff to make necessary adjustments to ensure everyone is safe and social distance can be maintained, according to the township. The full reopening is set for Sept. 21, with online reservations beginning Sept. 18.

The pool schedule will include waterfit classes and lap swims with dedicated times for adults, families or parents and babies. Families and close social groups can rent the pool for private use at an hourly rate on Saturday afternoons.

“Our aquatic centre is one of Esquimalt’s most valued facilities for all ages in the community,” Mayor Barb Desjardins said in a statement. “Having the pool reopen—even in the modified way we’re operating—will give back another social and fitness opportunity to our residents.”

There’s still no date for when Esquimalt Recreation will resume swimming lessons. The Canadian Red Cross has laid out new protocols for swimming lessons that include instructors teaching from the pool deck and a requirement for younger children to have a parent in the pool. “As we determine how to adapt and staff are trained in these new protocols, we anticipate a gradual return to swim lessons beginning with private lessons, likely in October,” said Aquatics Programmer Meghan Nicklin in a statement.

The Oak Bay Recreation Centre reopened its pool on Aug. 17, with advance booking required. The pool is accessed through the side door and a one-way system on the pool deck aims to reduce close contact between swimmers. Change rooms and lockers are off-limits, but swimmers can store their belongings in baskets on the deck.

The pools at YMCA-YWCA’s downtown Victoria and Westhills Langford locations reopened on July 16, while in Saanich, the pools at Gordon Head Recreation Centre and Saanich Commonwealth Place have been open since July 13.

The pool at West Shore Parks and Recreation remains closed and administrators said come September, they will determine a re-opening date. Crystal Pool remains closed and no reopening date has been announced.

kderosa@timescolonist.com