Youngsters flock to AquaPulse swimming lessons

Young residents in the outer Melbourne suburb of Wyndham have been making the most of the AquaPulse aquatic and recreation facility, with the centre boasting one of the highest learn-to-swim enrolments in the state in only its first year of operation.

More than 3,600 children have been enrolled in swimming lessons since the centre opened and there are now 869 classes a week conducted by 45 teachers. About 250 students enrol each month.

AquaPulse, formerly Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre, re-opened on 27th June last year following a multimillion-dollar redevelopment.

Sam Benfell, Marketing and Communications executive at operator Western Leisure Services, said demand for the learn-to-swim classes since then had exceeded all expectations.

Benfell told local media “it’s been a huge achievement for the team and it’s great that we’re obviously filling a community need.

“It reflects how much these facilities are required … and we need more.”

Given the success of AquaPulse, Wyndham City Council is now looking at building a third swimming centre in the fast growing municipality.

The Council allocated $65,000 in its 2016/17 draft budget for a feasibility study for Wyndham’s third swimming facility – after AquaPulse and the Werribee outdoor pool.

However, that study was one of a number of projects to be cut from the budget after Victoria’s Essential Services Commission rejected the Council’s request to increase rates by 4.5%, instead of the Victorian Government-allowed maximum of 2.5%.

Wyndham Mayor Adele Hegedich said almost one million people had visited either AquaPulse or Eagle Stadium this financial year and that the Council was very proud of the Hoppers Crossing facility.

During warm weather in January, the facility reached capacity on a number of days.

26th February 2016 - WYNDHAM COUNCIL APPROVES RESIDENTS-ONLY AQUATIC FACILITY

7th June 2015 - WYNDHAM CITY SET TO OPEN AQUAPULSE AND THE ENCORE EVENTS CENTRE

6th March 2015 - COUNCILLORS DIVIDED OVER $2.9 MILLION WESTERN LEISURE SERVICES START UP COSTS

16th October 2014 - WYNDHAM’S WESTERN LEISURE SERVICES MAKES KEY APPOINTMENTS AND LOOKS TO RECRUIT

5th March 2014 - NOT SWIMMING POOLS BUT AQUATIC WELLNESS CENTRES?

4th November 2013 - PARENTS VALUE SWIMMING AND WATER SAFETY LESSONS ABOVE OTHER OUT-OF-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES