Take a ticket! Bookings required for a dip at patrolled pools over summer

SWIMMERS cooling off at the northern suburbs’ three patrolled pools this summer will have to take a ticket under new rules imposed by Wollongong City Council.

In the north, pools at Helensburgh, Thirroul and Corrimal this swim season will have a booking system in place to manage the challenges of the pandemic and to help the Council support social distancing, meet NSW Health guidelines and provide fair and equal access across the busy summer period.

Booking windows will be available across the day in two-hour blocks across the city’s nine pools, with patrons required to leave the pool 15 minutes before the end of their booking to allow for cleaning to take place before the next session begins.

Bookings will become available for the upcoming week every Monday, with no booking fees for any reservation.

Pool fees will still be in place at Corrimal Heated Pool, with no changes to free entry for the remaining pools.

Family and group reservations can be made as long as there are sufficient spaces available in the timeslot you want to visit and all group members enter the pool together.

Spectators who may only be supervising swimmers are welcome at the pools and are also required to book as they count towards a facility’s total capacity.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery reminded the community that the free booking service allowed everyone to get the most out of the pools across the swim season.

“This system is the best way to ensure equitable access to those using our pools this summer,” he said.

“If you show up without reserving your space at any of our pools, there is no guarantee you will be able to swim. If there is space available, we’ll still need to take your details and book you in before entering the pool, so to save time and make the most of your session, we strongly suggest you book ahead.

“It’s also important to cancel bookings if you can’t attend, as anyone who makes repeat bookings without attending will be stopped from making further reservations, ensuring everyone in our community is given the opportunity to have a swim.

“Our pool goers need to come to the pools ready to swim, and to remember that the showers at are pools are currently unavailable. While you’re in the pool and its surrounds, it’s important you continue to be mindful of other people. Stay a towel’s distance away from people who aren’t from your home, be sure to keep using hand sanitiser and if you’re unwell please stay at home and swim another time.’’

The preferred and easiest way to book a swim is to visit wollongong.nsw.gov.au/bookmyswim. You’ll need to provide your contact details as required by NSW Health.

Alternatively, you can call the pools, Corrimal on  4284 9135, Helensburgh on 4294 1535, or Thirroul on 4276 3843 to get assistance with making or cancelling a booking.

For more information and FAQs about the new booking system, visit wollongong.nsw.gov.au/pools or call customer service on (02) 4227 7111.

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