Wanaka community swimming pool extends hours during aquatic education programme

The Wanaka Community Pool has been enjoying busy numbers in the weeks since its re-opening on September 25 after an internal refurbishment, with casual swimmers, members and a busy swim school that has doubled its last season’s numbers, all making the most of the refurbished facilities.

In addition to its already busy timetable the pool will soon be welcoming Wanaka Primary and Holy Family schools to its Aquatic Education Programme.  The nature and space requirement of this programme unfortunately means the pool will be closed to the public between 9am and 3pm, Monday November 15 until Friday December 11.

In order to ensure other swimmers are not disadvantaged during the period the pool is preparing to extend its operating hours until 9pm on weekdays during those dates.

The Aquatic Education Programme is designed to develop local children’s water skills beyond swimming into understanding the bigger picture of water safety and that not only helps their own survival but that of those around them, Lakes Leisure Facilities Team Leader Wanaka, Cam Sheppard said. 

“It’s a shame we don’t have room to cater for everyone at once, but when it comes down to it the importance of these kids learning the practical skills which might one day save their life made the decision easier for us. And I have to say we love hearing the stories about kids telling their Dads to put their life jackets on when they jump in the boat on a Sunday afternoon.

“The idea to extend the hours from the usual 7pm to 9pm came from some of our regular swimmers. The locals are so happy to have the pool back we can understand their concern regarding the public closures, so it was fantastic when they made the suggestion to extend the hours and we could oblige knowing they will be well used,” Cam said.

The Wanaka Community Pool is managed by Lakes Leisure Limited along with two other pools in the district; Alpine Aqualand and Arrowtown Memorial Pool.