Ramsay wants water safety centre to make a splash

LOCAL MP Simon Ramsay has called on the state government to investigate constructing a Water Safety Centre at the sports precinct in Drysdale.

Mr Ramsay has had a discussion with the community on the Bellarine and is seeking support through a petition to be tabled in Parliament.

The petition seeks government funding for a water safety centre for the Bellarine.

It would host a pool and other water features that would also enable emergency service training.

“With the closure of the Portarlington pool and the near capacity at the Shell Road Reserve aquatic centre, it’s very clear that the Bellarine needs another pool,” Mr Ramsay said.

“With school clusters around the Drysdale sports precinct it would make sense to consider that location.”

Mr Ramsay said it was important for overseas visitors and tourists to experience the hazards of water in controlled conditions before they ventured out onto our beaches and ocean.

“International visitors and new migrants are over-represented in drowning figures and water rescues in this state,” he said.

“Having access to a water safety centre would help provide a safer learning space.”

If elected this year, the Victorian Coalition says it will prioritise the Swimming in Schools program.”