Manila offers free swimming pools to help residents beat the heat

The local government of Manila encouraged the public to beat the heat by offering free use of swimming pools. 

In Oscar Oida’s report in “24 Oras” on Thursday, however, there are still some who are dipping in the waters of Baseco Beach in Tondo even if this is off-limits to the public due to sanitary issues.

“May nagbabawal po minsan, ewan ko lang po bakit…Tinataboy po kami, pagdating siguro ng hapon. Para rin siguro for safety,” said Ronald Flores.

(Sometimes authorities prohibit us [from swimming], I’m not sure why... We get driven away, probably when afternoon comes. I guess it’s also for safety.)

Others are not even bothered with the health risks posed by the waters in Baseco Beach.

“Hindi po kasi dito na po ako lumaki. Sanay na po,” said Maria Lachica. 

(I’m not worried because I grew up here. I’m used to it.)

In every district of Manila, residents can enjoy the public pools free of charge especially now that inflatable pools on streets are prohibited.

Here are the schedules of some of the public pools in the city:

Dapitan Sports Complex

12 noon to 3 p.m. (Tuesday to Friday) and 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Saturday to Sunday)

Vitas Aquatic Center

10 a.m. to 12 noon (Tuesday to Friday) and 1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturday to Sunday)

“Kailangan lang po nila ng proper swimming attire. Tsaka may ilang patakaran o pagsunod ng ilang patakaran gaya ng bawal uminom at mga gawain na pwedeng magdulot ng disgrasya sa mga lumalangoy,” said Vitas Aquatic Center OIC Red Martinez.

(They just need proper swimming attire. Also, there are certain rules to follow, such as the prohibition of drinking alcohol and other activities that could cause accidents for the swimmers.) — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA News