Public reminder: Pools are not open for recreational swimming

Published on 26 November 2020

Pools closed public reminder notice

Recreation SA Media Release

With COVID-19 restrictions in place, South Australian public pools are not open to recreational swimmers to cool off in this weekend’s soaring temperatures.

The state’s peak aquatic bodies, including Recreation SA, Royal Surf Life Saving SA, Surf Life Saving SA and popular recreational pools are reminding South Australians to do the right thing and stay at home this weekend, despite wanting to seek refuge from the soaring temperatures.

Following advice from SA Health and SA Police, all swimming pools are closed to recreational swimmers and swim schools until Tuesday December 1st. Recreation SA is reminding the public that unfortunately swimmers will be turned away from facilities if they are visiting for recreational purposes. Under current Government directions, access to public pools is currently restricted to fitness and rehabilitation swimming only. In light of the restrictions, some swimming pools may be closed altogether. The advice from Recreation SA to avoid disappointment are as follows:

  • Check to see if your facility is currently open
  • Restrictions are likely to be in place at all facilities throughout this summer period with limits placed on facility capacities and requirements to book session times at most major aquatic venues
  • Check your facility’s websites for information on who and how you can access the facility. Book or call the facility ahead of time to ensure you can get access. Only attend for fitness or rehabilitation swimming. Booking online is the safest way to contact trace. If you cannot book online, call the facility before leaving the house
  • If you do head to your local facility, prepare accordingly by taking plenty of water
  • Facilities want and value your business and will do all they can to accommodate you, however current restrictions may prevent this
  • Regardless of where you cool off - WATCH AROUND WATER and keep your children safe.

“We understand that Thursday and Friday this week and through the weekend will see temperatures rise to 40c. Unfortunately, due to current COVID restrictions pools are NOT open for recreational swimming. They are only open for rehabilitation and fitness (lap swimming). Please contact your local pool before attempting to escape the extreme heat,” Recreation South Australia Executive Officer, Stu Ferenci explained.

“We can’t wait to welcome back recreation swimmers to our pools but we want to keep South Australian’s safe during this time and don’t want customers to turn up disappointed during this extreme weather. If you want to swim, you must plan ahead,” Mr Ferenci continued.

All major swimming pool operators and aquatic bodies want to reinforce that their facilities and programs will restart as soon as Government restrictions are lifted.

Relevant SA Government Directions - Restricted Activities

Under the current direction the following venues must not open:

  • Recreation centres
  • Indoor play centres
  • Amusement parks and arcades.

There are also restrictions on certain types of activity. These activities may not go ahead:

  • Community or club sports fixtures and trainings, whether indoors or outdoors (this does not include elite, professional sport, or intra-school sport). This means club, league and inter-school sports are cancelled.
  • Swimming, other than for fitness or rehabilitation.
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