New hoist enhances swimming access at Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre

Pool user accessibility has been elevated at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre with the installation of a new pool hoist to enable users easy access to the 25 metre lap pool.

Funded by the Western Australian Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries grant, with additional contributions from the Rotary Club of Albany City and the City of Albany, the Centre’s pool hoist has been described as a “welcome asset for users of the centre (that) will enable those with an injury or disability to enter and exit the pool independently”.

The pool hoist features a stainless steel design and is battery operated with the ability to move the hoist to and from the pool deck with a lifting capacity of 160 kilograms.

A remote control connected to the hoist allow users to operate the hoist themselves giving them independence when using the pool.

City of Albany acting Manager Recreation Services Mitchell Green said the pool hoist is making life easier for the local swimming community, commenting “prior to the hoist being installed, patrons with mobility challenges were only able to access the pool with assistance from an ALAC team member or carer.

“The City is focused on creating an inclusive environment for the entire community and providing facilities such as the hoist are key to ensuring all of our community can use our facilities.

“Regular users of the pool hoist are thrilled to have better, safer and easier access to the pool and an overall much better experience with the facility.”

Swimmers wanting to use to pool hoist are required to complete a short induction and receive approval from an Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre staff member.

Image courtesy of the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre.