Published on 4 October 2021
Changes to the NSW roadmap allow indoor swimming lessons, but neglects other users
The changes to the NSW Roadmap for swimming lessons at indoor pools rewards the many groups and advocates who were vocal in their concerns about delays in returning children to lesson in time for summer.
The change means children, and vaccinated adults, can return to indoor pools for lessons-only from the Monday after the state reaches 80% vaccinations (16 plus). This is a huge relief, especially for those operators who focus exclusively on lessons, and for the instructors who, provided they are vaccinated, can return to the job they love.
This announcement addresses the concerns about delays in returning children to lesson in time for summer. Declining swimming and water safety skills in children has been a long-term concern for Royal Life Saving, that has been further impacted by COVID closures. It is an issue that requires a long-term strategy, nationally and in all states and territories.
Indoor pools in NSW remain closed for lap swimming, aqua exercise, and other structured recreational activities for the 4 or so weeks prior to 1 December. This decision may leave some community members scratching their heads wondering why.
Indoor and outdoor alike, aquatic facilities are loved by many for health, fitness, and social connection. The physical and mental health benefits of swimming are clear.
For many people, including older adults and people with a disability, indoor pools are an important and accessible form of fitness and connection. These users should be recognised in the reopening frameworks for indoor and outdoor pools across the country. COVID safe plans can maintain social distancing and venue density limits for adults in indoor pools.
The issue may be that outdoor pools in NSW are currently open to vaccinated and unvaccinated patrons. Many outdoor and indoor pools share common entries, concourses and changerooms. Mixing children with unvaccinated adults seems contrary to policy objectives at 80%. This needs some thought.
The NSW process should serve as a reminder to aquatic centres and swim schools in other States and Territories. Early engagement with public health authorities and adjustments to existing COVID safe plans for transitions to living with COVID may assist in avoiding the confusion and anxiety that has been experienced across the NSW industry in recent weeks, as will working together.
The Victorian framework by contrast allows 150 patrons or 1 person per 4sqm at the 80% vaccination mark, regardless of activity or demographic, which provides broad benefits to the sector and the community. This only applies to vaccinated people.
This summer is going to be challenging across Australia for so many reasons. Swimming pools, of all shapes and sizes, are critical to health, wellbeing, jobs, and community safety.
