Geelong City Council announces increased capacity at aquatic and fitness centres

Geelong City Council has advised that with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions - requirements to book and adhere to time limits when using the City’s aquatic and fitness facilities are to be removed as of Tuesday, 1st December.

Kardinia Aquatic Centre and Lara Aquatic Centre’s outdoor pools can now host up to 300 people for lap swimming and aquatic play, with bookings no longer required.

Visitors can access the City’s indoor swimming pools without bookings from 1st December, when they will accommodate up to 150 people, while saunas and spas will reopen with capacity limits.

The capacity of the City’s gyms has already increased, and from 1st December patrons will no longer need to book, offering greater flexibility for those keen for a workout.

However, bookings will continue to be required for group exercise classes, to ensure that they do not exceed Victoria’s COVIDSafe limit of 20 patrons.

Facilities and activities that remain closed include:

•Splash parks and waterslides at Leisurelink Aquatic & Recreation Centre, Bellarine Aquatic & Sports Centre and Splashdown Leisure Centre;

•Crèche and childcare facilities; and

•Aqua Aerobics.

Reduced casual fees for all activities will be in place until the end of December, with a 10-visit pass at a discounted rate also available.

All attendees will be required to check in and provide contact details, to assist with any necessary COVID-19 contact tracing.

Any patrons who have previously made a booking will be guaranteed entry at that time and do not need to take any action.

Masks must be worn at all times when not strenuously exercising when indoors. They must also be worn outdoors if you are unable to stay more than 1.5 metres away from others.

The Council has invested strongly in ensuring that residents have been able to access their outdoor and indoor pools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In recognition of the physical and mental health benefits of swimming, significant funding was allocated by the Council to open the two outdoor pools before their regular season.

Kardinia Aquatic Centre’s 10-lane FINA pool was made available for use on 18th September and Lara Aquatic Centre’s six-lane, 50-metre Olympic pool opened on 1st October.

City of Greater Geelong Councillor Peter Murrihy notes “the Council has committed significant funds to make our pools available as much as possible under the COVID-19 restrictions.

“We opened both Kardinia and Lara aquatic centres ahead of their traditional seasons to ensure that swimmers had access to a valuable outlet. It is great that we can now allow swimmers and gymgoers the chance to attend when they like and to stay for as long as they want. However please note that capacity limits will be in place to meet the state’s COVID-19 restrictions, so some areas of our centres will remain closed.”

Further information about the City’s Swim, Sport and Leisure facilities can be viewed at www.geelongaustralia.com.au/

Image: Kardinia Aquatic Centre. Courtesy of the City of Greater Geelong