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Esquimalt Rec Centre pool goes to the dogs

The inaugural “Dog Swim” happens before the pool is closed for maintenance
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Dogs of all sizes are invited to swim at the Esquimalt Rec Centre for the first “Doggy Paddle” event on Dec. 2. Here, a water-friendly pup dives after his toy at the Pet-A-Palooza event that ran this summer (James Mackenzie/Black Press)

Esquimalt is hosting a unique event for those who don’t mind getting their paws wet.

The inaugural Dog Swim is at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre pool is set for Dec. 2 as a send-off before it closes for annual maintenance.

Dogs of all sizes are welcome to participate and show off their doggy paddle skills as long as they are licensed, wearing a collar, over four months old, have up-to-date vaccinations and are spayed or neutered. They must also be well-socialized dogs that owners are able to control.

Dogs will be divided by size into two swims; small and medium-sized dogs will go from 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and medium to large dogs will swim from 4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

PHOTOS: Puppy love makes a splash at St. Ann’s Academy

The Dog Swim is a canine-only event, so while families are welcome to come and watch, humans may not go in the pool with their dog companions.

Life guards will be on staff, jbut owners are encouraged to bring a pooch-appropriate life jackets if their dogs are uncertain swimmers.

Pre-registration is required and costs $10, and can be done at esquimalt.ca.

Rest assured, the pool will be drained and thoroughly cleaned before it reopens for human use on Dec. 17.

nicole.crescenzi@vicnews.com


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