City to re-open public swimming pools

PUBLIC swimming pools across the City of Greater Geelong will re-open tomorrow (Friday, June 5).
Leisurelink Aquatic & Recreation Centre, Bellarine Aquatic & Sports Centre, Waterworld Leisure Centre and Splashdown Leisure Centre will all return to their normal hours, while Kardinia Aquatic Centre’s outdoor pool will also re-open but with restricted hours.
Protocols have been introduced to limit the risk of coronavirus spreading.
Swimmers will be required to book 45-minute sessions in advance, as no walk-in entries will be allowed. There will also be a limit of three people per lane.
While toilets will be open, showers, change rooms and other facilities within the centres will remain closed.
Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said this was part of the city’s gradual recovery.
“The return of all the City’s swimming pools is a great boost for our community. For all those keen swimmers and everyone else wanting an exercise option, this is another important step in the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
“The City team has prepared detailed work plans to ensure that the health and safety of the community will be protected when they come for a swim.”
Ms Asher said re-opening the pools would also help employment.
“This is also good news for our employees, who were impacted by the imposed shutdown of centres across the state.
“While a large number have continued to work for the City in other temporary positions, it is great that we can re-open our centres so they can resume their regular roles.”
The city is staggering the resumption of different services, with libraries in the region set to re-open on Thursday, June 9.