Changes to the public pool operating guidelines will financially impact Campaspe Shire Council by around $145,000.
Mayor, Cr Adrian Weston said the changes introduced by the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia came into effect from September this year.
"The main change requires increased lifeguard supervision, with our pools no longer able to operate as low patronage pools operating with one lifeguard," the Mayor said.
"The new guidelines no longer prescribe one lifeguard per 100 patrons and consider factors such as response times, line of sight, patrons' swimming ability as well as the distance to emergency services."
To reduce the cost impact, changes will be introduced to the temperature operating procedure and opening hours.
The temperature operating procedure previously saw outdoor pools opening when the temperature was 20 degrees or higher. For the 2019/20 season this will be changed to opening at 25 degrees or higher.
"We have data showing us that on average seven people use an outdoor pool in cooler weather and the adjustment will affect about 14 days across a season," Cr Weston said.
These changes will not affect swimming club sessions, private bookings or programs.
The opening hours across the seven outdoor pools have also been reviewed and will be changed to provide consistency of opening times.
School term
Kyabram & Rochester (50m pools)
Weekdays 6.30am - 8am and 3pm - 7pm
Weekends 1pm - 7pm
Colbinabbin, Lockington, Rushworth, Tongala, Stanhope (25m pools)
Everyday 3pm - 7pm
School Holidays
Kyabram & Rochester (50m pools)
Weekdays 6.30am - 8am
Weekends 1pm - 7pm
Colbinabbin, Lockington, Rushworth, Tongala, Stanhope (25m pools)
Everyday 3pm - 7pm
In readiness for the summer season, the Colbinabbin and Lockington pool shells have been re-painted and all pool sites spring cleaned.
"All pools open on Sunday, 10 November and close the long weekend in March," Cr Weston said.
To support the need for increased lifeguard supervision, council has been actively recruiting qualified lifeguards across the past few months. Casual positions are still available, with information available on council's website.
