Public pools closing early in southwest Japan city as summer heat pushes up water temps

OITA — City-run pools open to the public free of charge in this southwest Japan city have been closing early one after another as the sweltering summer heat pushes up water temperatures.

As the sun beat down on Ozai Park Pool in Oita at 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 14, an announcement was made: “Swimming is being suspended today.” Children who had been swimming energetically exited the pool with disappointed expressions on their faces.

According to the Oita Municipal Government’s sports promotion division, the swimming pool was closed before the official closing time of 5 p.m. for 18 consecutive days through Aug. 17.

Staff members measure the water temperature every hour after 10 a.m., when the pool opens. When the water temperature exceeds 34 degrees Celsius — considered to be the level where the body temperature does not drop even if the swimmers stay still in the water — swimming is stopped to prevent heatstroke.

At four other civic pools that opened on July 20, there have been up to around 10 days this year when swimming was suspended during the day. An official in charge commented, “The temperature of the tap water is rising to begin with. As a countermeasure, we’re increasing the amount of water we put into the pool.”

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, in the first 17 days of August, the city recorded 12 extremely hot days with a high temperature of 35 degrees Celsius or greater, while the other five days reached the 34 C range. The city’s sports promotion division is urging people to confirm the opening status of swimming pools by calling or other means.

(Japanese original by Taiki Yamaguchi, Oita Bureau)