City of Newcastle will launch a trial of reduced entry fees for all visitors at four of its five inland pools when the new swimming season begins on Saturday.
Councillors voted in June to endorse the $2 trial at Beresfield, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend pools for the 2025/26 swimming season, a proposal supported by 95% of respondents who took part in community consultation.
Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre is not included in the trial to reduce the risk of overcrowding at that facility, and with a waterslide, aquatic playground and four pools, its
$6 all-day entry fee ensures it remains the most affordable pool with similar facilities in the region.
Cr Peta Winney-Baartz, lifeguard Ethan Crisp, Cr Declan Clausen, lifeguard Tiarna Baxter and Cr Charlotte McCabe at Mayfield Pool ahead of its reopening on Saturday and the start of the $2 entry fee trial.Cr Declan Clausen, who proposed the $2 entry fee trial, said it's important to provide equitable and affordable access to aquatic facilities across the city.
"Our inland swimming centres play a vital role in fostering community connection and promoting health and wellbeing," Cr Clausen said.
"Combined with free access to Merewether and Newcastle Ocean Baths, we're making sure everyone has a place to cool off this summer."
Visitors to all five inland pools will enjoy upgraded facilities following more than $1 million of programmed maintenance and upgrades over the winter break.
Lambton reopened on 25 August following the installation of a new platform to increase accessibility, an extensive paint job which includes non-slip areas, as well as three new heat pumps.
Beresfield received an upgrade to the solar heating system, while Stockton families will enjoy new playground equipment, barbecues, picnic tables, shade structures and new accessible footpaths.
New roller shutters have been installed at Wallsend and Lambton to improve security, and lighting upgrades have been completed at Beresfield and Mayfield.
With the winter beach lifeguard schedule now completed, patrols return to all six Newcastle beaches from this Saturday, adding to the year-round patrols that also take place at Merewether and Newcastle Ocean Baths.
Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said our lifeguards keep watch over more than one million swimmers and sunseekers each summer.
"City of Newcastle's lifeguards receive extensive training and professional development to ensure they can keep the community safe," Ms Duffy said.
"Our successful Trainee Beach Lifeguard Program is also back this summer, with applications now open.
"The program offers an exciting opportunity for four high school students, who are also members of a Hunter Surf Life Saving Club, to gain hands-on experience working alongside professional lifeguards."
In preparation for the warmer weather, City of Newcastle has recently wrapped up its school based annual Water Safety Education Program, which has been delivered by lifeguards since 1966.
This year's program covered 46 schools across the region, educating more than 12,000 students about dangerous conditions, how to swim safely and what to do if they get into difficult situations.
To learn more about the trainee lifeguard program go to City of Newcastle's employment page.
