AS the sun continues to brighten the region, Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) was excited to recently announce that pools across the Shire will open to the public on Sunday, December 1.

Following some much-needed upgrades, the Hamilton Olympic Swimming Pool will open in line with the pools in Coleraine, Penshurst, Balmoral and Dunkeld.

Community wellbeing manager, Susannah Milne expressed her excitement for the upcoming swim season.

“We’ve been working very hard across autumn and winter to keep our pools in tip top shape for the benefit of the whole community.”

“The Hamilton Pool was the first to get a facelift and as the other well-loved pools get older, they’ll also need a bit of TLC.

“We actually have an extensive three-year program of works across all outdoor pools coming up.

“For now, our team can’t wait to open the gates and let Summer really get started.”

SGSC chief executive, Tony Doyle encouraged residents to support their local pool and take advantage of the wonderful facilities available in the Shire.

“Our pools are a real source of pride, and we try to look after them as best we can.

“They’re a great way for families and friends to get together outdoors, be in the community, get some sun and make some priceless memories together.

“We are very pleased that we can offer free outdoor pools to all residents, and we really encourage everyone to get out this summer and enjoy them.”

New changes to the SGSC’s Outdoor Pool Policy will be in effect this year.

Key changes include a new temperature threshold.

The threshold for opening has now been standardised across all Council pools at 23 degrees Celsius.

Attendance data and community survey responses from previous years showed a significant drop in visitors when pools fall below this temperature.

Throughout all of January, if the predicted temperature at 4pm on the day before is 35 degrees Celsius or higher, pools will open from 12-7pm.

During December, February and March this will apply on weekends only.

Following feedback, Council have added a flexible end date to the season.

Pools may remain open beyond the March long weekend depending on weather conditions and lifeguard availability.

Early morning swimming sessions will now be held two days a week instead of three at both the Hamilton and Coleraine Outdoor swimming pools to reflect the practice of the previous two seasons and to allow for staffing at these times.

These updates are intended to ensure that our beloved outdoor pools remain a valuable, enjoyable and well utilised resource for the community.

These changes have been made following careful monitoring of pool behaviours and the great feedback received from patrons.

For more information about the outdoor pools, please visit bit.ly/4flaJj8