Campaspe Shire Council to open outdoor pools early this year

Campaspe Shire Council has announced a staggered opening of their seven outdoor pools starting from Friday 23rd October, three weeks ahead of the traditional outdoor pool opening.

Council Chief Executive, Declan Moore advised that the roll out of early openings is in response to COVID-19 restrictions impacting the reopening of the Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre (EWMAC).

Moore notes “being an indoor facility, EWMAC is unable to reopen to the community until the final steps of the State Government’s roadmap to reopening have been announced.

However with the Victorian Government announcing the easing of restrictions starting 17th September that permits outdoor pools to reopen Moore adds “opening outdoor pools early will provide an opportunity for local residents, swim clubs and visitors to enjoy aquatic exercise.

“A three-phase approach to the early opening of Council’s outdoor pools will allow for the preparation of pools and staffing ahead of time.

“Staff are now busy preparing the pools and grounds for the early opening.”

Kyabram and Rochester pools will be the first to open on Friday 23rd October as they are the largest pools with the highest usage.

Lockington and Stanhope pools will open on Friday 6th November, followed by Colbinabbin, Rushworth and Tongala on Friday 20th November.

All outdoor pools will operate on the existing opening hours and the minimum temperature requirements for opening remain in place.

Restrictions will be in place in line with State Government requirements and Council’s COVIDSafe Plan. These include:

• Exercise only

• Toilets and change rooms can open

• Maximum of 50 participants for each pool with no gathering on the pool deck or grounds surrounding the pool

• Physical distancing of 1.5metres when out of the water

• Face masks must be worn by staff at all times and patrons when not participating in exercise

• Practising of good hygiene with high touch areas cleaned regularly

• Entry cards for users

• Staff restricted to single venues (not working across multiple sites)

• Walk in patrons permitted, booked spaces are not required

For more information on Council’s outdoor pool venues, times and admission costs, visit the Campaspe Aquatics website