Earlier this week we learnt of Council's determination to press ahead with a 0.8m depth for the proposed Learn to Swim pool at the Mackay Park Leisure Centre.
Responding to advice from a Learn to Swim professional, well accredited and respected for her experience and knowledge of the industry the Mackay Park project manager advised that the 0.8m depth was "non negotiable".
Fortunately Council have contacted the Royal Lifesaving Society of NSW to conduct an audit of the design and it is hoped that that audit reflects industry standards in the OHS&R delivery of learn to swim classes that defines, at the least the requirements for pool depth and temperature.
This video below by Alison Lesslie, Owner / Instructor at Bawley Swim N Safe shows how important the correct depth of 1.2m is in mitigation of risk of injury to instructors and participants.
In the video she notes "This is an important OHS issue. The proposed 0.8m depth of the new Batemans Bay Aquatic centre runs the risk of being an environment for workers compensation or public liability claims.
"You cannot run Mums and babies (infant aquatics) in 0.8m depths. You limit who can swim 0.8m due to length of arm and body rotation.
"This means it would not be suitable for older primary school children or adults.
"See in the video with an average height 10yr old who's hand would probably smash the floor of a pool if it was 0.8m deep."
From a keen council observer of the project has watched its evolution from the original concept plans "Eurobodalla Council have steadily decreased the size of each of the pools in the proposed complex and are now found to be decreasing the depth as well. They might find that by down sizing their pools they will also downsize their revenue leaving us all with an elephant no one will visit. Then what? "
"Meanwhile they have upsized the gymnasium with ne're a second thought as if they have a lease already drawn up".
