Cape Town: Community Swimming Pools are ready for the peak festive season. Thirty-six swimming pools out of the 37 are open for the 2025-26 summer season.
Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham conducted the oversight visits at several city facilities this week.
Considering this, the Recreation and Parks Department of the City of Cape Town, over the last few years has invested significantly in the maintenance and upgrades of the public swimming pools which has resulted in the phased re-opening of these pools from October for the 2025-26 summer season.
The visit included overviewing the completion of another phase of major infrastructure works at Newlands, Wynberg, Kensington, Goodwood, Bellville South and Manenberg to ensure that the lifecycle of these community assets is increased.
This summer season includes the five indoor facilities in Blue Downs, Long Street, Retreat and Strand and the seawater pool in Sea Point that operate all year-round.
Reportedly, the Vulindlela swimming pool in Gugulethu is set for a major upgrade over an extended period. The City of Cape Town will provide further updates on reopening time-frames as this upgrade progresses.
Community swimming pools are open daily during the festive season from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and the last ticket will be available by 5:30 p.m. The facilities will revert to weekend hours after the school holidays due to the much lower demand during the work or school week.
Councillor Francine Higham said what a pleasure to visit so many of the swimming pools and see the enjoyment of the residents, especially the children as they splash and play in the water and relax in the surrounding grassy areas.
This is what Summer is all about in Cape Town! Making memories, spending time with family and friends and enjoying the wonderful recreational facilities in the communities. Higham thanked all the officials who have worked so hard to get these facilities ready for the summer and for them who will continue to work through the festive season to make sure that they remain in good condition and safe for everyone.
According to Higham, the Community Services and Health team would like to remind the visitors that these facilities are considerate of one another and listen to the instructions of the lifeguards and staff on duty. It is a reminder that children under the age of seven needs to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
“Let’s work together to ensure that everyone has a swimming time this summer at our pools,” said Francine Higham.
Furthermore, the City of Cape Town has deployed over 490 senior and seasonal lifeguards across its pools and beaches with an additional 67 bolstering this total in December 2025 as part of its summer readiness plan. This ensured the proactive safety along with drowning prevention and welcoming environment for all residents and visitors.