Statement in response to pool demand

To our valued members and guests,

We understand that the demand for GESAC’s 50m pool has been much greater than usual. Our team have been working hard to create as many places as possible to give you an opportunity to enjoy a swim.

This is a guide as to how we are achieving this:

• We are now running as many sessions as possible: Sessions have been increased across the week to meet the high demand, however we are restricted by the Chief Health Officer restrictions to 20 people per session. Sessions also need to take into consideration infection control procedures to keep everyone safe. Further capacity will be created when restrictions ease further, and when the Carnegie Pool opens on 1 November.
• Booking no-shows: Anyone found to have not turned up to a scheduled booking, may have the right to make future bookings revoked. People need to ensure they give notice if they cannot attend a session so that we can release the booking to other swimmers.
• 5km Rule: It is a requirement that attendees either live within 5km or are a permitted worker working within 5km of GESAC. Please ensure you bring photo identification with your home address or permitted workers permit.
• 2 Swim limit: In order to help ensure everyone in the community gets a fair opportunity to swim each swimmer will now be limited to swimming twice per week. This will be reviewed if capacities are increased by the State Government or sessions are not being booked out.
• Carnegie Pool: Our team is working hard on preparing Carnegie Swim Centre for opening. The Carnegie pool is a seasonal pool and is due to open 1 November, following our normal staff recruitment and commissioning processes.

We have chosen to make the decision to open as soon as possible, in a staged manner. We are very proud of the fact our team have worked so hard to get our outdoor pools open under such difficult circumstances. We are hopeful that demand will ease when other Council pools in neighbouring Councils are also open.

We appreciate your patience during this time, and we hope to see you using our wonderful outdoor pools soon.

Kind Regards,

Paige Buse

GEL Manager