Hutt City Council’s Huia Pool offers new Sensory Hour

Hutt City Council has announced that it is offering a new Sensory Hour at its Huia Pool - offering a aquatic experience with dimmed lights and reduced noise.

Hutt City Pools was approached by Āhuru Mōwai Trust who has worked with Councils throughout the Greater Wellington region over the past year to encourage the creation of sensory sessions at public pools.

Paul Latham, Trustee at the Āhuru Mōwai Trust, advised “the Trust is all about providing and advocating for spaces that allow families who have children with extra or sensory needs the opportunity to participate in regular activities.

"With the addition of Sensory Hour at Huia pool we’re excited to reach more families in Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai, Lower Hutt."

Running on Sundays from 4:30pm to 5:30pm in the centre’s hydro pool, the new Sensory Hour presents an environment during which lights are dimmed, no music is played and staff are on hand to support families using the pool.

Sensory Hour sessions are also free of charge, removing another hurdle families can face, as they’re never sure if a pool visit will last two hours or five minutes.

Hutt City Council Swim City Manager, Kay Lindsay noted “it’s amazing how changing the lighting and sound can have a big impact on families wanting to visit our pools.

"We hope families who wouldn't otherwise venture to their local public pool can now do so with confidence, knowing the environment will be less overwhelming and staff are there to help."

Sensory Hour is running as a trial at Huia Pool on Sundays until 25th June.

If successful, Hutt City Council may extend it.

Click here for more information on creating Sensory-Friendly and Autism Swim Lessons on the Sensory Friendly Solutions website.

Image credit: Sensory Friendly Solutions.