Throughout the summer Sydneysiders flock to the city’s swell-fed beaches and ocean pools. Affording an immersion in lively saltwater and a direct connection to sea, beach and sky they host recreational and competitive swimming, learn-to-swim programs and treasured forms of wave-play. While undeniably wilder than an indoor pool, these rocky areas provide a safe venue for what Kate Rew, founder of Britain’s Outdoor Swimming Society, calls “wild swimming.”
Pools are not only a source of recreation and relaxation, they also offer health benefits including improved cardiovascular health, weight loss, and reduced risk of stroke and other chronic conditions. The swimming pool industry is responsible for the provision of an essential public amenity, and it is critical that these facilities continue to meet community needs. In order to ensure that this continues to be the case, a review of current pool design and operation practices is necessary.
The review should begin with the development of a strategy to meet the future needs of the community. This should include a clear definition of what is to be delivered, a process for delivering it, and a timeline for completion. It is important that the strategy takes into account all stakeholder and community input, including community members and users of the facility.
It is worth mentioning that the review should not ignore the history of swimming pools in Australia. As the NGV’s exhibition The Pool, and the voices of swimmers gathered in it, demonstrates, these sites are not only historically designed and artificial spaces, but public places full of personal memories and shared social significance.
Despite their contested origins, public pools are an integral part of the Australian landscape. Although the expense of running these pools can be prohibitive, they remain crucial to community health and wellbeing.
While some localities have opted to close their public pools, the City of Sydney has invested in its aquatic centres, with a particular focus on multi-generational uses. This has enabled the City to retain a wide range of aquatic facilities and to ensure that they can be used by all.
The City has a number of outstanding pools, the best-known being the historic MacCallum Pool at Cremorne Point, built by residents in 1920 above high water mark. Providing stunning views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, it is a popular place for leisurely swims or laps.
Other popular local swimming spots include the Clovelly Rock Pool on the Southern Coastal Walk at Coogee, established in 1929. Reached from the promenade linking Coogee and Bronte, it is a popular place for families to swim and enjoy the shady grass park with playground, bbqs and kiosk. Another great family spot is the Cabbage Tree Bay Eco Sculpture Walk on the Northern Beaches and home to a beautiful natural pool. It is a great spot for swimming and picnicking with children of all ages and is unsupervised.
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