Outdoor pools remain closed on cool days

Weeks of unseasonably cool weather have seen Latrobe’s three outdoor swimming pools open their gates on only five days so far

By Latrobe City Council - 9th January 2002 - Back to News

Weeks of unseasonably cool weather have seen Latrobe’s three outdoor swimming pools open their gates on only five days so far since the official start of summer on the first of December.

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins said the cool weather had meant the outdoor pools had remained closed, while the indoor pools were still enjoying good patronage.

"A number of children have been disappointed to find their local swimming pool closed, but the reason is simply that the weather has been too cool for most people to enjoy the facilities," Cr Jenkins said.

"The outdoor pools open when the forecast temperature is above 23 degrees Celsius, but unfortunately so far this season there have only been a handful of days when this has been the case. There have been a couple of hot days when attendances have been quite high, but when the temperature only reaches 24 or 25 degrees, there are only a few takers.

"While some people would still be prepared to take the plunge even on the coolest day, the majority of citizens clearly wont. There has to be a reasonable expectation of usage to warrant employing pool lifeguards and supervisors on any particular day, and if that expectation isn’t there, because of predicted cool temperatures, there is no option but to remain closed," Cr Jenkins said.

"Fortunately Latrobe has some excellent indoor facilities where the water and air temperature is comfortable even on the coldest day. The Morwell Leisure Centre, Churchill Leisure Centre and Moe Newborough Sports Centre are all great venues for swimming and fun. People who normally only swim at the outdoor pools are discovering or rediscovering their indoor swimming pools this year, and may well continue their patronage after the outdoor swimming season ends," Cr Jenkins said.

"While this summer has been cooler than usual, it’s not unprecedented, and the hottest days are undoubtedly still to come. With this in mind we will once again be providing free entry to the three outdoor pools on Australia Day 26 January, and will be running special activity programs and providing a free barbecue," Cr Jenkins added.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: latrobecity@gippslander.com

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