CLEARWATER, Fla. -- After two long months, all five city pools are back open but with restrictions.
"We're making sure we have a safe environment for our patrons and our staff," said program coordinator Shaun Beasley.
The new restrictions put in place are to prevent people from catching coronavirus, and must be followed in order to swim at a city pool.
Swimmers must make a reservation before going to any of the pools. Officials are asking that you wear your bathing suit to and from the pool, because only one bathroom will be open.
You will no longer be able to use multiple doors. Beasley said lifeguards will let you in one door and out another.
"We're having our staff continuously sanitize handles and clean bathrooms," said Beasley.
Lifeguards and staff are required to wear masks at all times. Certain lanes of the pools will be exclusive for lap swimming.
"Most people are fine with the changes," Beasley said. "Most are really excited to be back here."
Longtime swimmer Karen French walked in bright and early with a huge smile on her face.
"I'm am so happy to be back here," she said.
French was one of the first to make a reservation after getting an alert about the city reopening the pools.
"it's been a long two months," she said. "My sister has an outdoor pool but I'm not supposed to be in the sun that much, so this is perfect and the people are fabulous."
The new hours for the pools are between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday. On Saturday, the hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The pools are closed on Sundays.