Wellington City Council to offer free off-peak swimming in reopened aquatic facilities

To encourage patrons back to its reopened aquatic facilities, Wellington City Council is offering free swimming during off-peak times across all five pools from 15th to 30th June.

Highlighting the benefits of swimming and mindful that many users of the facilities have been financially impacted by the Coronavirus shutdown, Council Sport & Recreation Portfolio Lead, Councillor Simon Woolf explains "swimming is an easily accessible fitness activity which can help with cardiovascular systems, weight loss, muscle strength and building endurance, it reduces stress, boosts immunity, is safe during pregnancy, and is suitable for all ages.

“Also, it’s important from a social and community point of view - and it’s fun.”

Mayor Andy Foster says this is a great initiative now that life in New Zealand's capital is essentially getting back to normal, adding "swimming was one of the main activities affected during the Covid-19 lockdown, and now the pools are open and physical isolation is no longer a barrier, Wellingtonians are making up for lost time by heading back to our pools.

“We’re making it easier for those financially impacted by the lockdown by removing fees for a couple of weeks during off-peak times – we know this will be a welcome incentive to go swimming and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits it offers during a difficult time for many.”

The initiative covers entry to the pools at the following times:

• Free lane swimming: Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm at Karori, Freyberg, Tawa, Keith Spry Pools, Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre (WRAC)
• Free recreational swimming: Saturday and Sunday, 2pm to 7pm at Karori, WRAC, Tawa, & Keith Spry Pools. (Excludes Freyberg Pool which is open for lane swimming only).

SwimWell swimming lessons have resumed, with lessons reduced to $5 each (usually ranging from $10.80-$15.50) until end of Term 2 (3rd July).

The Council advises that the Karori children’s pool will be closed during this time due to maintenance work while Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre spray pool will be closed for maintenance work until Saturday 20th June, and charges will still apply for spa, saunas, steam rooms where these services are available.

Image: Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre.