Port pool shuts again

OHS ISSUES: Closure casts doubt over school swim programs

PORTARLINGTON pool managers have stunned patrons by closing doors indefinitely, and without notice, due to safety concerns.

The Smythe St complex, owned by Melbourne-based businessman Tom Montalto, closed for three months because of similar reasons in December 2015.

A community campaign, new management and minor renovations saved the pool from permanent closure but it is understood the facility needs more major improvement works to meet standards.

Pool manager Kylee Clasper said the facility closed indefinitely on Sunday after requests to the owner for maintenance works “fell on deaf ears”.

“It’s the same scenario ... the owner won’t do some health and safety things so we’ve had to shut it down,” Ms Clasper said.

“There were lots and lots of (OHS) issues, I think there were 21 in total.

“OHS officers gave them until September 21 to have everything rectified and the owner hasn’t done anything and we were going to cop a fine on his behalf.”

Staff have been contacting Splash Swim School members to offer a transfer to the Breakwater branch, which Ms Clasper manages, or a reimbursement for unused lessons.

The facility also offered water aerobics classes popular with senior citizens.

All eight staff members have other work and three have transferred to Breakwater.

It is understood authorities are in talks about a potential lifeline.

However, the short-term future is uncertain for a number of schools that have booked centre for swimming programs in term four.

“I don’t think we will be able to get schools in (at Breakwater). Next term it was nearly full up with school kids but we’ve had to cancel all of that,” Ms Clasper said.

Portarlington Primary School acting principal Jackie Kaiser said its intensive swimming program was scheduled to take place over eight days in December.

Ms Kaiser was yet to hear any confirmation on the status of the booking, or the closure of the pool, yesterday.

“The program involves 207 kids over two weeks,” she said. “It makes it very difficult for us because we would have to bus children somewhere else which would increase price that parents would have to pay.”

Ms Kaiser also fears reduced access to facilities will prohibit children living on that side of the Bellarine Peninsula from learning to swim.

“I know lots of families at the school also have their own private swim lessons there ... because we live on the water’s edge you lose a facility that supports safety on the bay,” she said.