Aquatic centre throws doors open to its members

THE Hobart Aquatic Centre will reopen its doors on Monday to members only — but will be back better than ever when it reopens to the general public later in the year.

From Monday there will be members only lap swimming and classes, no personal training or supervised rehabilitation sessions, no spa, sauna or steam room and no learn to swim program until later in the year. The 25m pool will remain closed until October and the children’s play pool is likely to remain closed until November.

The 50m lap pool will be divided into two 25m sections to maximise the number of lap swimmers.

General manager Nick Heath said a reopening to the general public would be determined at a later date.

“While we know people are keen to get back to the centre, it’s important that we get the reopening right to ensure everyone’s safety and to make sure we comply with the current restrictions.

“We’re communicating with members directly about the reopening and providing information about how the restrictions are being handled.

“For everyone else, we ask for a little bit of patience while we get the centre back up and running and work towards a full reopening as soon as it’s possible.”

The 25m and children’s pools have been drained for upgrades, with a new children’s splash play area with slide and tipping bucket to open in November.

Pools around the state have taken different approaches to reopening.

Clarence YMCA reopened on June 15, with visitors limited to three sessions a week of no longer than 45 minutes which must be booked online.

Other rules include one lane for one swimmer and showers and change rooms are closed.

Its toddler and children’s pools are also closed.

Swimmers returned with a splash in Launceston with the Leisure and Aquatic centre reopened to the public with restrictions in place on 12 June.

Glenorchy pool remains closed.