ALL Wattle Range Council swimming facilities will open on time for the 2020/21 swim season, with Penola Pool opening early for swimming lessons.
Despite the challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, council staff have worked hard to open the facilities next month and preparations on track.
Following a successful trial last summer, a Learn to Swim Program is being run in the Penola Pool by Innovative Leisure Management, with lessons for school age children on Monday and Thursday afternoons.
The Penola Pool has also been opened three weeks earlier than usual for lap swimming and swim club training.
“With the closure of the Mount Gambier Aquatic Centre, council was expecting increased demand for its swimming facilities this year and staff have worked tirelessly to ensure the Penola and Nangwarry Pools are available for swimmers,” council chief executive officer Ben Gower said.
“After initial concerns about the security and COVID Marshall requirements at the Millicent Swimming Lake, council staff have been able to negotiate a suitable outcome with the Department of Health and Wellbeing that allows the Lake to open at the usual time.“
Patrons are urged to follow signage at the Swimming Lake and stay out of the water when the Lake Closed signs are in place.
“The Department of Health has been very clear that if people do not abide by the signage at the Millicent Swimming Lake, then they may insist on the Lake being emptied,“ Mr Gower said.
“Once it is emptied, we will not be refilling it this season.“
Plans are on track for the Swimming Lake, Penola Pool and Nangwarry Pool to open to the public tomorrow, weather permitting.
As in previous years, the Penola Pool is only open when the forecast temperature is 20 degrees and over.
For Nangwarry, the pool is open when the forecast temperature is 23 degrees and over.
Pool opening times are available on council’s website.
