Published on 24 June 2020
Campaspe Shire Council is preparing to reopen the Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre (EWMAC) on Wednesday, 1 July albeit with restricted numbers and social distancing requirements in place.
Acting Regulatory & Community Services General Manager, Ms Kate Lemon said essential safety works to the pool concourse have now been completed and staff are preparing to reopen in line with current Federal and State Government coronavirus directions.
“The floor surface around the pool has been totally transformed, involving removal of the resin coating, repairs to the concrete surface, scouring of the surface, and finally a layer of seal,” Ms Lemon said.
“Customers will notice a very different non-slip surface under foot.”
From 1 July the pool and the gym will reopen, followed by group fitness classes on Monday, 6 July and aqua aerobics classes on Monday, 13 July.
“At this stage numbers in each part of the centre are capped at 20 customers but may be reduced in some areas to meet the strict social distancing requirements,” Ms Lemon said.
“All customers will be required to book and prepay for their sessions at the centre to ensure the maximum number is not exceeded. Bookings for the pool, gym and fitness classes can be made by calling 5483 9698.”
“We are also required to record the names of customers, with entry cards available at customer service to capture this information.”
“To get the most out the of their pool, gym or fitness class, customers will need to be on time and ready to go – and must exit the centre after the allocated one hour to allow the next group through.”
In detail operations will be as follows:
| Swimming pool | Maximum of 20 customers. 60-minute booking, allowing 45 minutes in the water, and 15 minutes to vacate. Bookings on the o’clock of every opening hour (ie 8am). |
| Gym | Maximum of 10 customers. 60-minute booking, allowing 45 minutes in the gym, and 15 minutes to vacate. Bookings on the half hour of every opening hour (ie 8.30am). |
| Group fitness | Maximum of 10 customers. 60-minute booking, allowing for a 45-minute class, and 15 minutes to vacate. Bookings on the quarter hour of every opening hour (ie 8.15am). |
The staggered booking times will allow customers to safely enter and exit the centre at different times across the day.
The change room, public toilets and showers will be available to customers however their use will be within the one hour time slot.
Operating guidelines for the aqua aerobics’ classes will be released in coming weeks, with learn-to-swim classes not available at this stage.
“We are sure the reopening of the centre will be welcomed by the community, particularly being the only heated indoor pool in the region,” Ms Lemon said.
As changes are made to services provided at EWMAC the community will be kept up to date through the Aquatics & Leisure Services website, Council’s website, social media and local advertising.
The Echuca, Kyabram and Tongala Sport Stadiums will also reopen on Wednesday, 1 July with bookings also available through EWMAC.
