Indoor heated swimming options exist as official pool project comes closer

WHILE the Australian Labor Party has pledged to contribute $25 million for a new swimming pool in Bacchus Marsh if it wins the 3 May Federal election, many locals may still not know that they already have casual swimming options.

The BlueFit swimming school in McCormacks Road, Maddingley, opens its heated indoor pool to the public at various times every day of the week.

And according to swim school manager Hannah Smith, the word is spreading.

“When we opened we had a lot of inquiries about opening to the public,” Ms Smith said.

“It’s not something we market; it’s not our bread and butter – we’re a swim school – but we don’t stop people coming.”

The public can use the pool, which is heated to between 32 and 33 degrees, from 6am to 8am every day, from 1pm to 4pm Saturday and Sunday, and from 11.30am to 3pm every day unless a school program is taking place.

Federal Member for Hawke Sam Rae announced earlier this month that Labor would commit $25 million for a pool at the Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre (MARC) if it wins the election.

The Federal money would allow the MARC project to become a reality, with $15 million already allocated by the Moorabool Shire Council and $10 million committed by the State Government.

The Maddingley facility has been open for two years and started out as Saltwater Swim, but changed to BlueFit Swimming a year ago.

It offers learn-to-swim lessons to people aged four months and older, and prepares swimmers to a level where they are ready for competitive swimming if that is their desire.

“[Public use] is something that we were asked about so much when we first opened as there is such a demand for it, given our lack of a local indoor pool,” Ms Smith said.

“As we are a warm, magnesium pool with good access we are lucky enough to have a lot of the older residents of Bacchus Marsh come in.

“They come in and exercise in groups, walk up and down the pool or swim.”

Ms Smith said the pool was made available for public use about a year ago and knowledge is gradually spreading, primarily by word of mouth.

“It’s getting busier,” she said.

But Ms Smith acknowledged that many locals remain unaware that at least some swimming options in an indoor heated pool are actually available while the campaign for an official facility continues.

People interested in finding out more can phone 1300 252 583 or can visit the webpage at bluefitswimming.com.au/bacchus-marsh .