Pool ladders on order

Permanent step ladders will be installed on the western side of the 25-metre indoor pool in the revamped Warragul Leisure Centre.

Pool users have complained about the difficulty of accessing the side of the pool where classes are held.

Robin Smith, a former swimming instructor, said she went to the pool on the opening day to do a water aerobics class.

She said 30-plus women, many of them elderly, had to sit on the edge of the pool until someone brought a plastic step to help them in.

“After the water aerobics, management said the ladder was not to be used again because of occupational health and safety issues.”

Ms Smith said the participants had to walk to the ramp on the other side of the pool to get out, which meant crossing the lane ropes.

“Some of us sat on the ropes so they could climb over them.”

Baw Baw Shire’s director of community assets, Phil Cantillon, said the permanent step ladder would be installed to complement the accessible ramp on the opposite side of the pool.

Ms Smith was also critical of the lack of a toddler pool adjoining the outdoor pool. “So if you’ve got older and younger children you can’t watch both at once.

Mr Cantillon said discussions on the final scope of the redevelopment involved a diverse project reference group comprising user groups.

“Ongoing comments on the completed project will help guide future investment in the facility.”

He said the centre’s PA system also would be upgraded as part of the contract.