Pools on winter hours until new lifeguards on deck

The Hervey Bay and Maryborough Aquatic Centres will remain on winter hours until new lifeguards are on deck, while WetSide Water Park will reopen in mid-October rather than mid-September.

Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott said Council had recruited new lifeguards who were in the process of finalising their training, but more staff were needed for the region’s three aquatic facilities.

“While it is pleasing that Council has been able to reopen the 50 metre pool in Maryborough now, both aquatic centres need to stay on winter hours - which means closing at midday on weekends instead of 6pm - until the newly appointed lifeguards have completed their training,” he said.

“We know how popular the pools are, especially as we head into the warmer months, and we hope to be able to return to normal operating hours as soon as possible.”

Cr Truscott said WetSide would reopen on Wednesday 12 October this year - a month later than usual – once maintenance work was completed and more lifeguards were available.

“There has been an extensive ongoing works program carried out at WetSide in recent months, including resurfacing the softfall in the main area and the toddlers area, maintenance on the water slides and the playground in the main arena, and a kiosk revamp,” he said.

“In addition, the construction of the new Aqua Ninja adventure course is nearing completion with more details to be revealed soon.

“We thank everyone for their patience and understanding while we work to ensure our popular aquatic facilities are staffed, safe and ready to go as the weather warms up.”

Cr Truscott encouraged anyone interested in working for Council as a lifeguard, group fitness instructor or swimming teacher to apply now, with more information available at https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/working-for-council/current-vacancies

The SplashSide water play and all-abilities playground in Maryborough’s Anzac Park is open seven days a week, and is now open 8am to 7pm (1 September to 30 April). It is closed on Thursday mornings for routine maintenance and cleaning.

More details about Council’s two aquatic centres and two water play parks is available here - https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/aquatic-centres