City of Greater Geelong reopens indoor gyms and pools under strict COVID -19 conditions

The City of Greater Geelong will be reopening its indoor gyms and pools on Friday 6th November, in line with further easing of restrictions announced by the Victorian Government.

Leisurelink Aquatic & Recreation Centre, Bellarine Aquatic & Sports Centre, Waterworld Leisure Centre and Splashdown Leisure Centre will reopen for limited gym use, group exercise and lap swimming on a pay-as-you-go system.

The indoor gyms and pools will reopen under strict COVID-19 conditions, including:

• Up to 20 patrons at pool facilities at a time, density quotients apply;

• Up to 10 adults at a time per gym space and group exercise class;

• Parents, guardians and carers attending as a supervisor must book as a guest; and

• Bookings will be required for all sessions, which will be limited to 45 minutes.

• Change rooms, showers and toilets will be open, with COVID-safe measures in place for users.

• Saunas, spas, waterslides, splash parks, creche, LiveWell and Aqua Aerobics at the facilities will all remain closed at this time.

The City is finalising plans for a reduced Learn to Swim program for young swimmers in line with current restrictions. The modified program will commence with limited sessions in late November, with an update provided in the coming weeks.

Lara and Kardinia Aquatic Centres remain open for outdoor lap swimming for up to 50 patrons at a time.

Trained City of Greater Geelong staff will be deployed as COVID marshals at each centre to help keep community members COVIDSafe while using the facilities.

Visitors to City of Greater Geelong facilities must wear a face mask at all times when not swimming or undertaking strenuous exercise (unless visitors have a valid exemption), maintain 1.5 metres from others and practise good hygiene.

All suspended Swim, Sport & Leisure memberships, including Webstar’s Swim School membership, remain on hold. Members will be provided advance notice of any resumption of debits.

City of Greater Geelong Chief Executive, Martin Cutter advises “It’s more important than ever to be doing some form of regular activity for our physical and mental health.

“We’re looking forward to slowly and safely reopening our indoor facilities and allowing the community to resume their workouts and lap swimming in a COVIDSafe way.

“A lot of planning has been undertaken to prepare our facilities and ensure we can reopen safely for the community and our staff while adhering to restrictions. We understand many parents and guardians will be keen to resume swim lessons for their children in the lead up to summer. We’re working to finalise plans for a COVIDSafe swimming program in late November and will provide an update soon.”

Bookings are essential at all facilities and will open to the public mid-next week with a pay-as-you-go system online. Walk-up bookings will not be available.

Information about how the City of Greater Geelong is managing the evolving COVID-19 situation can be viewed at the City’s Coronavirus Support Page.