Wellington Shire Council will launch its 2023/24 summer swim season on Friday 24 November with Free Swim Friday at all Council-operated outdoor pools. Visitors can claim free entry between 4pm and 7.30pm at outdoor pools in Heyfield, Maffra, Rosedale, Sale, Stratford and Yarram.
With the Aqua Energy redevelopment underway, the Sale Outdoor Pool will open on Monday 20 November 2023, five days ahead of other facilities, with extra opening hours for lap swimming and casual play swimming guaranteed throughout the summer swim season.
Once the season begins, all pools will operate in both an off-peak and peak capacity, and in conjunction with Council's temperature-based guidelines or 'temperature trigger'. Outdoor pool operating hours will be based on the forecasted temperature for Sale District issued by the Bureau of Meteorology at 4pm the previous day.
On days when the temperature is forecast to reach 25 degrees or higher in Sale, the summer swim season will operate as per below times:
Off Peak - 24 November to 15 December 2023
Weekdays 4.00pm - 7.30pm
Weekends and Public Holidays 10.30am - 6.00pm
Peak - 16 December 2023 to 28 January 2024
Weekdays 11.00am - 7.30pm (Guaranteed opening hours of 12.00pm - 3.00pm)
Weekend and Public Holidays 10.30am - 6.00pm
Off Peak - 29 January 2024 - 11 March 2024
Weekdays 4.00pm - 7.30pm
Weekends and Public Holidays 10.30am - 6.00pm
From Monday 27 November 2023 to 8 March 2024, lap swimming at the Maffra and Yarram outdoor pools will be available between 6am and 8am weekdays during both peak and off-peak seasons (public holidays excluded) regardless of the temperature trigger.
In addition, guaranteed operating hours for lap swimming and casual play at the Sale Outdoor Pool will be 6am to 9am and 4pm to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 12pm - 3pm on weekends and public holidays regardless of the temperature trigger.
With the aim of increasing accessibility for coastal communities, additional services will be offered at the Yarram Outdoor Pool this summer with gentle exercise sessions available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 8am - 11am and 3pm - 4pm.
Those seeking early access to support water education programming - including large group bookings and school groups are also encouraged to make use of the Yarram Outdoor Pool during the summer period.
Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ian Bye said he is excited to welcome locals and visitors back to outdoor pools this summer.
"We have fantastic outdoor recreation facilities in our community and since we are expecting a hot and dry summer, the pools will be a great place to stay cool and keep the kids entertained during the school holidays.
"As we make progress on the Aqua Energy redevelopment, we are committed to making sure our community can still enjoy the Sale outdoor pool this summer. I'm happy to share that the outdoor pool will have longer opening hours for lap swimming and casual fun, as well as school activities throughout the day, all summer long," Cr Bye said.
All outdoor pools will be closed on Christmas Day and the summer swim season will end on Monday 11 March 2024.
Pool users should visit www.wellington.vic.gov.au/pools
