The City of Cape Town has marked a major milestone in public recreation and community wellbeing, with 36 of its 37 public swimming pools now open and operational for the 2025/2026 summer season. The achievement follows several years of sustained investment in infrastructure upgrades, maintenance and safety, ensuring that public swimming facilities remain accessible, safe and fit for purpose across the metro.
The City’s Recreation and Parks Department has progressively reopened pools since October as part of a phased summer readiness programme. Recent infrastructure upgrades were completed at key community facilities including Newlands, Wynberg, Kensington, Goodwood, Bellville South and Manenberg, extending the lifespan of these assets and improving the overall user experience.
Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health Francine Higham conducted oversight visits at several pools this week, engaging with officials and observing how residents are using the facilities.
Broad access across the metro
Of the City’s 37 pools, 36 are currently available to the public, including five indoor facilities in Blue Downs, Long Street, Retreat and Strand, as well as the Sea Point seawater pool, all of which operate throughout the year. These facilities play a critical role in providing recreational opportunities regardless of weather conditions.
The only pool currently closed is the Vulindlela swimming pool in Gugulethu, which is scheduled for a major, long-term upgrade. The City has indicated that updates on reopening timelines will be communicated as work progresses.
During peak summer periods, community swimming pools operate daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with the last ticket sold at 17:30. Once school holidays conclude and weekday demand drops, operating hours will revert to weekends only.
Investment in safety and readiness
To support the increased seasonal demand, the City has deployed more than 490 senior and seasonal lifeguards across its pools and beaches, with an additional 67 lifeguards added during December as part of its summer readiness plan. This expanded deployment strengthens drowning prevention, proactive supervision and overall safety for residents and visitors.
Councillor Higham said the reopening of pools reflects the City’s commitment to accessible, high-quality recreational infrastructure. “It’s a pleasure to visit our swimming pools and see residents, especially children, enjoying the water and surrounding spaces. These facilities help create memories, strengthen families and support healthy communities,” she said.
She also reminded visitors to follow pool rules, respect lifeguards and staff, and ensure that children under the age of seven are accompanied by an adult at all times.
Community infrastructure that matters
Public swimming pools remain one of the most widely used recreational amenities in Cape Town, particularly in communities where access to private facilities is limited. By investing in maintenance, staffing and safety, the City is reinforcing the role of shared public spaces in promoting wellbeing, inclusion and quality of life.
With most facilities now open and fully staffed, Cape Town residents can access safe, affordable recreation across the metro — a tangible example of how sustained public investment translates into everyday community benefit.