Slip testing was never part of the annual shutdown at the Brennan Park swimming pool. In a Q&A posted on its website, the District of Squamish said testing tiles for slip resistance was never included in routine maintenance. However, that is now under review following a safety inspection that led to the facility’s closure.
District said there are various ways to make the tiles slip-resistant, and staff are trying to find the best solution. However, VCH must approve the tiles before any work starts in the pool. The pool has original tiles since it opened in 1992.
The pool was inspected by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) on January 15 after a patron slipped in the steam room. It was determined the tile surfaces around the pool and steam room appeared too slick and didn’t meet anti-slip safety standards.
VCH ordered the steam room shut and asked the district to hire a specialist to test the slip resistance of the tiles. The February 11 tests confirmed that the tiles did not meet the required anti-slip standards for wet surfaces. As a result, VCH issued a closure order for the pool on February 12.
“The health and safety of residents in the Vancouver Coastal Health region is a key priority for VCH Public Health,” the health authority said. “Health Officers determined a closure order was warranted until the safety risk is mitigated.”
VCH has conducted over 30 inspections at the pool since 2015, but none previously identified anti-slip concerns. However, under the BC Public Health Act Pool Regulation, pool operators must ensure that walkways and floors remain slip-resistant when wet. The pool could be closed for a few more weeks but the district says it’s working with VCH to reopen it as soon as possible.
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