Cessnock City Council will open its public swimming pools for the summer season from this weekend, with the turnstiles spinning at Cessnock and Branxton Pools from 7am on Saturday 27 September.
Reduced operating hours from 6am to 5pm on weekdays, and 7am to 5pm on weekends are in place for the first two weeks, before returning to normal operating hours from 11 October 2025.
As partner facilities of Royal Life Saving Australia's Keep Watch at Public Pools, the Conditions of Entry at Branxton and Cessnock Pools have been updated to ensure the highest safety standards for visitors. This includes lifting the unaccompanied age requirement for entry to 15 in line with the requirements of the program.
Key safety measures under the Keep Watch at Public Pools program include:
- Children under 5 years must wear a Keep Watch at Public Pools wristband with a dedicated supervising caregiver to ensure the child is continually kept within arms' reach at all times while in any pool or feature within the facility
- Children 14 years and under must be supervised by a responsible adult while at a public pool.
- Children between 6 and 10 years old and weak swimmers must be closely supervised by a responsibly adult maintaining constant visual contact.
- Families or groups need a minimum of one adult supervising every four children under ten years old.
Cessnock City Mayor Dan Watton expressed his enthusiasm at welcoming the community back to the pools for the summer season.
"Taking the kids down to the local public pool is a beloved tradition each and every summer, and I'm proud that Council provides residents with valuable community facilities such as Cessnock and Branxton Pools," said Clr Watton.
"Just as important is keeping our kids safe – and I'm equally proud that Council is partnering with Royal Life Saving Australia on the Keep Watch at Public Pools program."
To keep up with the latest pool updates, visit https://www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Public-swimming-pools
