Outdoor pool at Orange Aquatic Centre reopens for summer with COVID-19 conditions

The outdoor 50-metre pool at the Orange Aquatic Centre has officially opened with its operations to be undertaken in accordance with public health orders.

With COVID-19 restrictions are continuing to gradually ease, the facility is placing no time limits for recreational swims.

Orange City Mayor Reg Kidd welcomed the news and said the opening of the outdoor pool was a sign summer and Christmas were right around the corner.

Mayor Kidd told the Central Western Daily "we've all had a really tough year this year and the Orange Aquatic Centre has managed the restrictions imposed by the government to combat COVID-19 extremely well.

"We're at the point now where the complex is permitted to hold 450 people, that's about half the capacity but it's a balance between keeping people safe and making sure we can still enjoy the freedoms we're used to."

Stating that he was happy to see the pool open, which would allow more residents to enjoy the facility, Orange City Council's Sport and Recreation Chair Jason Hamling added "if you'd like to swim laps you'll need to call ahead and book a lane but for just having a muck around with mates in the sun and the water, you can come along anytime within the opening hours.

"We'll be keeping a close eye on the restrictions as we head into summer and we hope we'll be able to accommodate everyone but in the meantime please be respectful and understanding of the government imposed caps on numbers."

The leisure pool and 25-metre pool are also open.

Those wanting to swim laps are asked to telephone ahead to book a lane, with a one time limit applying. There is no time limit on recreational swimming.

Parents and children in Learn to Swim lessons may also stay after the lesson for swimming for as long as they like.

Image: The Orange Aquatic Centre. Courtesy of Orange City Council.