Local swimmers will get some cool relief this summer with outdoor pools across Wellington Shire opening for at least three hours every day during the peak season.
Following feedback from the community, Wellington Shire Council will operate its outdoor pools from midday to 3pm, regardless of the forecast temperature, from Saturday 18 December 2021 to Sunday 30 January 2022.
Extended hours during peak season will still be determined by the temperature trigger which has been in place at Council's pools for several years.
On days when the temperature is forecast to reach 25 degrees or higher, pools will open from 11am to 7.30pm on weekdays and from 10.30am to 6pm on weekends and public holidays.
This will be based on the forecast temperature for Sale District issued by Bureau of Meteorology at 4pm the previous day.
Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye said he hoped the peak season changes would be welcomed by the community.
"We've had the 25 degree temperature trigger in place for some time now, but we know that many people have missed being able to get to the pool on some of the cooler days, particularly during school holidays," Cr Bye said.
"We've listened to what the community is telling us about staying open over summer regardless of the temperature, and we've made this change based on their feedback.
"Of course, ideally we're hoping for a warm summer so that we can open to maximum hours each day.
"But for any days when the temperature doesn't quite reach 25 degrees, we know there are people who will want brave the cooler weather for a swim, and our pools will be open for them."
Normal summer off-peak operating hours will be back in place from 31 January at Council's outdoor pools.
Pool users should visit www.wellington.vic.gov.au/pools or the Aqua Energy Facebook page at around 5pm daily for updates on outdoor pool operating hours for the following day, or for general information about Council's pools.
Lap swimming at Maffra, Sale and Yarram outdoor pools will be open between 6am and 8am weekdays, regardless of the temperature.
All outdoor pools will be closed on Christmas Day.
Outdoor pool operating hours (Heyfield, Maffra, Rosedale, Sale, Stratford and Yarram):
Off-peak (26 November 2021 to 17 December 2021, then 31 January 2022 to 14 March 2022)
When temperature is forecast to be 25 degrees or higher - weekdays 4pm to 7.30pm, weekends and public holidays 10.30am to 6pm.
Peak (18 December 2021 to 30 January 2022)
When temperature is forecast to be 25 degrees or higher - weekdays 11am to 7.30pm, weekends and public holidays 10.30am to 6pm.
When temperature is forecast to be 24 degrees or lower - weekdays and weekends 12pm to 3pm.
