Wollongong new pool booking system opens for 2020/2021 swim season

Wollongong City Council has opened their new pool booking system for the 2020/2021 swim season for all freshwater and saltwater patrolled pools.

The new pool booking system has been put into place to manage the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and to support social distancing, meet NSW Health guidelines and provide fair and equal access to their pools across the busy summer.

Booking windows will be available across the day in two-hour blocks across Wollongong’s nine pools, with patrons required to leave the pool 15 minutes before the end of their booking to allow for cleaning to take place before the next session begins. Bookings will become available for the upcoming week every Monday, with no booking fees for any reservation. Pool fees will still be in place at Corrimal and Dapto Heated Pool, with no changes to free entry for their remaining pools.

Family and group reservations can be made as long as there are sufficient spaces available in the timeslot you want to visit and all group members enter the pool together.

Spectators who may only be supervising swimmers are welcome at Wollongong’s pools and are also required to book as they count towards a facility’s total capacity.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery reminded the community that the free booking service allowed everyone to get the most out of the pools across a challenging swim season adding “this system is the best way to ensure equitable access to those using our pools this summer. If you show up without reserving your space at any of our pools, there is no guarantee you will be able to swim. If there is space available, we’ll still need to take your details and book you in before entering the pool, so to save time and make the most of your session, we strongly suggest you book ahead.

“It’s also important to cancel bookings if you can’t attend, as anyone who makes repeat bookings without attending will be stopped from making further reservations, ensuring everyone in our community is given the opportunity to have a swim.

“Our pool goers need to come to the pools ready to swim, and to remember that the showers at are pools are currently unavailable. While you’re in the pool and its surrounds, it’s important you continue to be mindful of other people. Stay a towel’s distance away from people who aren’t from your home, be sure to keep using hand sanitiser and if you’re unwell please stay at home and swim another time.’’

For more information visit wollongong.nsw.gov.au/pools

Image of Port Kembla Swimming pool