Early sign of summer – swimming returns to Sikome Lake

Sikome Lake has reopened to the public

A popular man-made swimming spot in Fish Creek Park is open for the 2015 season with several improvements and safety enhancements.

Sikome Lake opened to the public on Saturday, one day before the official start of summer.

Guests to the park encountered renovated change rooms on the north side of the lake including new fixtures and accessible showers.

In August of 2014, the lake was closed for several days following the drowning death of 29-year-old Ali Shaikh. An investigation into the death determined staff followed existing procedures, but the Government of Alberta has implemented improved safety measures for the facility for 2015.

According to Alberta Environment and Parks, drowning prevention information is available to lake visitors, improvements have been made to parking lot monitoring and staff communication protocols have been enhanced.

The cost of the renovations and safety upgrades exceeded $150,000.