Changes to restrictions – JM Robson Aquatic Centre

Lithgow City Council will be making some changes to the operating restrictions applied to the J M Robson Aquatic Centre commencing 14 July, in line with NSW Health restrictions.

Lithgow City Council reopened the J M Robson Aquatic Centre to public use on the 15 June 2020. This reopening was accompanied by a set of strict guidelines incorporated within a Safety Plan, as mandated by the State Government, and were implemented to protect the safety of the public and staff.

As Lithgow City Council continues to monitor NSW Health Guidelines and update its procedures and operating guidelines to align with relevant advisory bodies, some changes to operation will be implemented as follows.

Showers will available with change rooms having a maximum capacity of 4 patrons at any one time. We continue to ask that where possible residents change at home to eliminate contact of communal surfaces in every instance possible. There will be a maximum of two person permitted per lane Each patron will be allowed 3 sessions per week. Bookings will be taken via phone only from 8:30am Friday for bookings for the following week. No equipment will be lent out at any time Children are not to be changed on pool deck at any time

Additional to these new conditions, the following restrictions will remain in place.

Social distancing of 1.5 metres MUST be maintained at all times. Entry will be through the reception area only with exit through the rear door. Payment will be by EFTPOS only to reduce contact with cash. Screens have been installed at reception for social distancing purposes. Any patron who is unwell or has a high temperature will not be permitted into the centre. Benches have been marked out with correct social distancing procedures with every second bench being available only. Sanitisation stations will be provided at all entries and exits for use before entry and at exit Contact details will be recorded for contact tracing purposes. A health questionnaire must be filled out before first use of the pool.

Council would also like to remind the public that the facility will continue to operate under a new set of operating hours and booking requirements as follows:

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 6am -6pm Weekends and public holidays – 8am-2pm Bookings will be essential, with the following restrictions in place; Timeslots will be booked on the hour however swimming time will be limited to 45minutes to allow sanitization in between groups For example, come at 6am swim and leave the centre by 6:45am providing staff 15 minutes to sanitize for the next group. Timeslots will be strictly adhered to. Patrons are expected to arrive ready to swim. Bookings will be taken via phone only from 8:30am on Friday for the following week. All patrons attend the facility no more than 5 minutes before their booking time to reduce outside queuing.

Council apologises for any inconvenience that the above conditions of operation may cause. However, maintaining the low rates of transmission in NSW and Australia are contingent on a cautious approach to safe operation of community facilities. Lithgow City Council will continue to monitor NSW Health Guidelines and update its procedures and operating guidelines to best ensure a safe, healthy and active community.

For reservations, please contact the JM Robson Aquatic Centre directly on 02 6352 9160

Contact:    David Anderson Building & Recreation Facilities Manager Tel: 02 6354 9999 Fax: 02 6351 4259

Jonathon Edgecombe Director Infrastructure Services Tel: 02 6354 9999 Fax: 02 6351 4259