With pool season fast approaching, lifeguards across the Southern Grampians are needed to ensure outer township pools can operate this summer.
The swim season is set to officially commence with the Hamilton Outdoor Pool scheduled to open (weather permitting) on Saturday 6 November 2021. Pools in Penshurst, Glenthompson, Balmoral, Dunkeld and Coleraine are planned to open early December.
Manager Community and Leisure Services, Susannah Milne said lifeguards were unfortunately in short supply this year making it a challenge to fill shifts for all six outdoor pools.
“We’ve been pushing hard with recruitment around the community and further afield this year in an attempt to attract lifeguards for the upcoming summer season,” said Ms Milne.
“While we always look forward to opening the pools and providing communities respite from the summer heat, this year, the lack of available lifeguards may unfortunately impact on our ability to retain consistent opening hours at some of our outer township pools.
“We ask for locals who have previously been a lifeguard whose accreditation may have lapsed - to give us a call as we will be facilitating renewal training next month. For those of you thinking about trying something new, as a lifeguard you have the opportunity to not only develop a really unique and applicable set of skills, but can get involved in your local community.”
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Bruach Colliton encouraged residents to support their local pools as they continue to be a valuable asset to the community.
“Our outdoor swimming pools are often the hub for our communities during the warmer months so they offer not only an important opportunity for families to escape the heat, but also operate as the heart of our townships during summer,” said Cr Colliton. “We want these facilities to be operational for communities to enjoy for years to come so we are putting the call out to anyone who may be interested to put your hand up and join the team.”
As per the Outdoor Pool Operations Policy, pools will be opened from 3:00pm to 7:00pm seven days a week, when the forecast temperature is 21 degrees + for all heated pools and 23 degrees + for unheated pools. All pools will open 12:00pm to 7:00pm on weekends and throughout January when the air temperature forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology at 4:00pm for the next day is more than 35 degrees.
For regular updates and to keep up with all the activities during pool season, residents are advised to ‘Like’ the Greater Hamilton Outdoor Swimming Pools page on Facebook. For more information on pool locations and operating hours, head to www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/swimmingpools or contact Council on 5573 0444.