Due to the solar eclipse today the City of Windsor, Town of Tecumseh and Town of LaSalle are closing outdoor pools.
The City of Windsor's parks and recreation department announced Sunday they will close the city's six outdoor pools between 1:30pm and 4:30pm Monday afternoon, when a near-total eclipse is forecast for the area. The outdoor pool in Tecumseh on Lacasse Blvd. will be closed from 1:00pm to 3:30pm The outdoor pool in LaSalle will be closed from 1:00pm-4:00pm.
The city says potential eye problems from viewing the phenomenon with the naked eye plays into the decision.
"We know how hard it would be for people not to look up to see what's happening," says city of Windsor aquatics manager Jen Knights in a statement. "And they obviously wouldn't be wearing solar-safe eyewear. So rather than risk someone injuring their eyes, we feel it's better to just cancel the outdoor afternoon swimming on Monday."
The decision affects the outdoor pools at Atkinson Park, Mic Mac Park, Central Pool, Lanspeary Park, Remington Park and Riverside Centennial Pool. Outdoor swimming in the early morning and evening will go on as scheduled. Swimming at the city's indoor pools is not affected.
Windsor-Essex will see its first near-total eclipse of the sun since 1979. Looking directly at the sun under any circumstances is very dangerous and can cause serious retinal damage or even blindness. Astronomers urge those wanting to view the eclipse to use approved solar glasses, or a cardboard projector with a pinhole.
Everyday sunglasses, cameras, telescopes, or photo negatives will not protect the eyes.