The City of Kamloops is extending the free swims offered at city-run pools so residents can beat the heat.

It comes as the heat warning – which was issued last Friday, July 5 – remains in place with temperatures expected to be well above seasonal for the next several days.

Free swims will be offered during public swim times at the Canada Games Pool, the Brock Outdoor Pool, and the Westsyde Pool until the end of the heat event. That said, the Canada Games Pool will be closed from July 11 to 14 as the City is hosting the summer provincial swim meet.

The City is also offering free skating during public skate times at the McArthur Island Olympic rink.

It is also making the Seniors’ Drop-In Program at Heritage House on Sunday and Thursday free until the end of the heat event.

The indoor cooling centre operated by the City of Kamloops will also be moved from the McArthur Island NHL rink to Sandman Centre, effective Sunday, July 14.

“Residents have many options for seeking heat relief, including access to water parks, drinking fountains with potable water, and washrooms with potable water at various park locations throughout the city,” Emergency Preparedness Manager Ty Helgason said.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District also says people can also stop by their local library branch to cool down.

As has been the case during previous heat waves in Kamloops, Community Services Officers will also be making the rounds to ensure that people experiencing homelessness have bottled water and access to transportation to shelters through the Envision shuttle program.

Both the ASK Wellness Society and The Loop are also operating cooling centers at their respective facilities on Tranquille Road.

Heat protocols are activated in Kamloops where there are two straight days with daytime highs of at least 35 C followed by a nighttime low of at least 18 C.

For more on the heat response plan in Kamloops – including details on indoor and outdoor cooling options, go here.