Council swimming pools across Corangamite Shire are being prepared for a COVIDSafe summer. The wet deck conversion is under way at the Lismore Main Pool, and Skipton, Terang and Timboon pools are being repainted.
Chief Executive Officer Andrew Mason said the pools would be a welcome recreational space for patrons to enjoy this summer and a fresh coat of paint would make sure they look great.
Mr Mason said Council was working with local pool committees, the YMCA and Life Saving Victoria to prepare for the coming season.
"The 2020-2021 season is scheduled to start on Saturday 19 December to coincide with the school holidays," Mr Mason said.
"All pools will open half an hour longer than last year during school holidays and on weekends. The season will close on the Labour Day weekend in March."
Mr Mason said season passes would be 80% of last year's prices to reflect the fact that the pools are opening in December instead of November due to COVID-19 restrictions.
"Season tickets can be used across the Shire's six swimming pools," he said.
"They are available from the Civic Centre in Camperdown or can be bought directly from the pools. EFTPOS facilities are available at each pool."
Mr Mason said Council was planning optimistically, but cautiously, to provide the usual healthy and social summer activities.
"We are following advice from the Department of Health and Human Services that will ensure we can provide a COVIDSafe environment for all pool users."
That advice includes details about sanitisation stations, additional cleaning, signage and reporting of users' details for contact tracing purposes.
Social distancing requirements mean a maximum of 50 people in the pool and four square meters per person in the grounds.
"We will continually monitor the latest advice from the State Government and all decisions will be made with the wellbeing of our communities as the top priority," Mr Mason said.
