Sikome Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sikome Aquatic Facility |
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Sikome Lake beach
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 Sikome Aquatic Facility
Location in Calgary
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| Location | Calgary, Alberta |
| Coordinates | 50°53′58″N 114°00′56″W / 50.89944°N 114.01556°W |
| Type | Artificial |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Surface area | 0.4 km2 (40 ha; 99 acres) |
| Max. depth | {depth is variable} |
| Surface elevation | 1,005 m (3,297 ft) |
| Settlements | Calgary |
The Sikome Aquatic Facility, often called Sikome Lake, is a special man-made lake in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It's located in the southeast part of the city, inside Fish Creek Provincial Park. This lake is part of the Bow River area. It sits high up, about 1,005 m (3,297 ft) above sea level, and covers an area of 0.4 km2 (40 ha; 99 acres).
About Sikome Lake
Sikome Lake first opened in the summer of 1978. It's a popular spot for swimming and acts like a public beach during the summer months. On busy summer weekends, up to 20,000 swimmers visit the lake each day! Staff from Alberta Provincial Parks are always on duty to help keep everyone safe.
For a while, in the 1980s, the lake was even used as a skating rink in winter. But now, the water is drained out during the colder months. It takes about three weeks to fill the lake back up every spring. In 1991, a special system was added to clean the water with chlorine. This system cost about $1.8 million Canadian dollars.
Safety and Rules
Even though there are aquatic staff members at Sikome Lake, adults are responsible for watching their own children. This rule helps keep everyone safe.
Around the sandy beach area, you'll find handy things like change rooms. There's also a concession stand where you can buy snacks and drinks. Kids can have fun at the playground nearby too. If you want to have a barbecue, you can! Just make sure it's a gas-powered one and you use it in the grassy areas next to the beach.
The lake facilities are open every day from mid-June until the Labour Day weekend. You can visit from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Remember, pets are not allowed in the Sikome Lake area.
Kids Don't Float Program
Since 2004, Sikome Lake has been part of a program called "Kids Don't Float." This program is a partnership between the government and the Lifesaving Society. It encourages children aged six and younger to wear life jackets. The program also teaches families about water safety.
You can borrow a life jacket from a special loaner station at the lake. However, it's always a good idea for families to bring their own life jackets if they have them. This program helps make sure everyone has a fun and safe time at the lake!
Past Closures
Sometimes, Sikome Lake has had to close for different reasons. For example, in 2004, the lake was closed for construction work. It also closed in July 1990 and August 1998 because of too much contamination from bird droppings. In the summer of 2004, it closed again due to flooding.
After 2004, a fence was built around the lake. This fence helps keep people safer and prevents unwanted behavior.
