A DOSE of hot spring sun has triggered an early opening for the Penola Pool.
While Millicent and Nangwarry are gearing up for Friday’s opening of the Wattle Range Council swim season, the local government body opened the Penola facility last Wednesday as temperatures soared beyond 30 degrees.
While more cloud cover is expected, the mercury is forecast to hit at least 30 over the next three days leading into this weekend’s show, with cooler temperatures predicted but minimal rainfall.
Council chief executive Ben Gower said regular swimmers may see some new faces at the Penola and Nangwarry pools this season as council had contracted out supervision of the facilities.
“We sought expressions of interest from local businesses to supervise the pools and are pleased to advise that Innovative Leisure Management has been awarded the contract,” Mr Gower said.
“Peter Collins leads an experienced team and oversees the Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre.
“We are confident that visitors and residents will continue to see a high level of service from lifeguards during public opening hours and special events.”
Mr Gower said the partnership allowed the council to explore opportunities for the community such as a learn to swim program.
“We want these facilities to be the best they can be, while ensuring the running costs are affordable so the service can continue to be free,” he said.
“Improvements this season include new steps and handrails at Nangwarry pool for easier entry.
“The community told us that people were struggling to get out of the pool with the original steps inlaid in the wall.
“Council has installed new concrete steps, with dual hand rails, which encourage those with mobility issues to use the pool.”
This project had financial support from the Nangwarry Pool Committee and the steps will be painted at the end of the season.
“We also heard from the Nangwarry community they wanted to have the pool open later on hot nights,” Mr Gower said.
“After reviewing the attendance last year, we have adjusted the opening hours over the summer period so this can occur.
“We also saw that when the temperatures were under 23 degrees, there was very little use of the Nangwarry pool.
“The Penola Pool is open when the forecast temperature is 20 or over, weekdays from 3-6pm and 1-6pm on weekends, public holidays and school holidays.
On hot nights, the pool will stay open until 8.30pm or until the last patron leaves.
When the forecast temperature is 23 degrees and over, the Nangwarry Pool will open from 3-6pm on weekdays and 2-6pm on weekends, public holidays and school holidays.
When people are at the facility, the pool will stay open until 7pm or until the last patron leaves.
