General News
14 December, 2024
Pool charges approved
Lap-swimming outside standard hours in Hindmarsh Shire pools now costs $5 an hour, while the charge for paid lessons/groups is $25 (plus GST) per occasion.
Lifeguards to supervise during school swimming classes are $52.50 (plus GST) each per hour.
Hindmarsh Shire councilors voted on Wednesday to introduce the three charges for the current summer season.
At its meeting in April, the council decided not to extend the YMCA’s management of its four public municipal pools.
“The management and operation of the four pools is now undertaken directly by council staff, with the pools being open free of charge for 2024-25,” director of corporate and community development Petra Croot said.
“Council has committed to making entry to the pools free for the public during normal opening hours.”
However, Ms Croot recommended that Hindmarsh introduce the three charges in order to help keep the facilities viable.
Ms Croot said rescue medical equipment had been purchased and was ready for use if required and Life Saving Victoria had been engaged to complete all process and procedure documentation.
The four pools opened for summer on November 16.
All are open 2pm-7pm at weekends.
Jeparit is also open 4pm-7pm Monday-Friday, while Nhill, Dimboola and Rainbow are open 3.30pm-6.30pm on weekdays.
Council employs a team leader for swimming pools and 26 lifeguards (all but one of whom live in the shire).
During the off-season, significant maintenance was carried out at all four sites.
This included the installation of new solar heating in Dimboola and Nhill, and new chemical control systems for all four pools.