Swimmers better ready their goggles - Murchison Swimming Pool has announced it will reopen on Friday, November 27 with classes starting on November 28.
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Murchison Pool is the only community-run pool in the municipality, operated by a group of dedicated local volunteers.
The pool's president Rachel Puts said it had survived over the years thanks to the huge group of volunteers willing to keep it in operation.
"A lot of the pools got taken over by council because they just didn't have the committee to run them,” she said.
The pool receives almost all of its funding from the support of local businesses, sponsors and swimmers.
"We've nearly got the board (of sponsors) full this year,” she said.
"We're building on it every year and getting more people to help out."
The pool is also unique with its three-metre deep end and water slide for kids.
"We've got a couple aces up our sleeve to bring people to Murchison,” Ms Puts said.
Water aerobics classes for ladies will run at the pool twice a week, along with fitness and lap swimming.
In December, Murchison Pool will start a new water aerobics program for children on Saturdays between 10 am and 10.30 am.
“The kids’ aerobics is a brand new program that we're offering this year,” she said.
“We've had a huge amount of people coming and interested in water aerobics, so . . . we thought we'd give it a go, and if it's successful we'll keep running it.”
Neighbourhood House Murchison coordinator Jenny Lister said the reopening of the pool was exciting, especially at a time when outdoor pools were on the decline.
"People from outside the town come because of the shade, the outdoors and good family feel to the space,” she said.
A COVID-19 plan will be in place this season, with hand sanitiser and contact details at the entrance.
Only 50 people will be permitted into the pool at any one time, down 75 per cent on usual capacity.
But the committee was determined to reopen despite the possibility of running at a loss.
"The kids come down straight from school - they finish school, they ride their bikes, they go to the pool,” Ms Puts said.
"And we thought, at least if they can get an hour in the water, it's something they can do.
"If we run at a loss, at least the kids have got somewhere to go."
Here's where you can take a dip this summer:
● Murchison Pool will be open from 3.30 pm until 6 pm Monday to Friday and 1 pm until 6 pm on weekends, unless the temperature is below 23 degrees C. During school holidays, the pool will open from 1 pm every day.
Murchison Pool is located at 56 Stevenson Street, Murchison. Entry is $4 for children and $5 for adults.
● Aquamoves’ opening hours are currently restricted due to COVID-19. You can book in a session on Aquamoves’ online portal.
Aquamoves is located at 25 Tom Collins Dve, Shepparton. Lap swimming is $6.50 for adults and $4.50 for children.
● Euroa Community Swimming Pool will be open from 3 pm until 7 pm on weekdays and 1 pm until 7 pm on weekends from December 1, unless the temperature is below 22 degrees C. During school holidays, the pool will be open from 12 pm.
Euroa Pool is located at 16A Bury St, Euroa. Entry is $5 for adults and $4 for children.
● Nagambie Outdoor Swimming Pool will be open from 3 pm until 7 pm on weekdays and 1 pm until 7 pm on weekends from December 1, unless the temperature is below 22 degrees C. During school holidays, the pool will be open from 12 pm.
Nagambie Pool is located at Nagambie Recreation Reserve, 1 Blayney Lane, Nagambie. Entry is $5 for adults and $4 for children.
● Violet Town Pool will be open from 3 pm until 7 pm on weekdays and 1 pm until 7 pm on weekends from December 1, unless the temperature is below 22 degrees C. During school holidays, the pool will be open from 12 pm.
Violet Town Pool is located at 2 Tulip St, Violet Town. Entry is $5 for adults and $4 for children.
● Avenel Pool will be open from 3 pm until 7 pm on weekdays and 1 pm until 7 pm on weekends from December 1, unless the temperature is below 22 degrees C. During school holidays, the pool will be open from 12 pm.
Avenel Pool is located at 25 Queen St, Avenel. Entry is $5 for adults and $4 for children.
● Numurkah Aquatic and Fitness Centre is open on weekdays subject to online bookings on its website.
Numurkah Aquatic and Fitness Centre is located at 184 Melville St, Numurkah.
Entrance is $4.60 for adults and $3.50 for children.
● Nathalia Pool will open on December 1 subject to online bookings on its website.
Nathalia Pool is located at 7 Park St, Nathalia. Entrance is $4.60 for adults and $3.50 for children.