Be safe by the water this summer

Published on 16 November 2020

Visitors to pools and waterways across the Gannawarra are encouraged to be safe this summer by being safe by the water and adhering to COVIDsafe guidelines.

With summer approaching, rivers, creeks and lakes across the municipality will again be popular locations to keep cool.

“The Gannawarra is renowned for its waterways, especially the Murray River, Gunbower Creek and the Kerang Lakes,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“Visitors to our lakes and waterways are encouraged to be mindful of hidden dangers, such as submerged objects, debris and strong currents.

“Parents and guardians are encouraged to actively supervise children at all times and avoid alcohol around water.”

Meanwhile, Gannawarra Shire Council’s outdoor pools at Cohuna and Kerang will also be popular locations to keep cool. Both facilities open for the 2020/21 season at 3pm today and will operate from 3pm-7pm daily throughout November on days the Bureau of Meteorology website’s forecast temperature is 23 degrees Celsius or above.

“Council is pleased to have both facilities ready for the 2020/21 season, with visitors reminded that these venues will be implementing numerous COVIDsafe measures to ensure the safety of visitors and staff,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“In line with these measures, visitors will be required to sign in and provide their contact details to assist with contact tracing, and, where possible, pay for entry and kiosk items via Eftpos.

“Parents and guardians are reminded as per pool guidelines, adult supervision is required for children under the age of 10”

Capacity numbers will also be capped within the Cohuna and Kerang swimming pools to ensure social distancing measures are met.

At the Kerang Swimming Pool, no more than 50 people can be in any of the facility’s pools at the same time, with users of the splash park encouraged to keep 1.5 metres apart.

Meanwhile, the Cohuna Swimming Pool’s main pool capacity will be limited to 50 people, with 20 people able to be in the facility’s intermediate pool at any time. No more than 10 people can be in the toddler pool at the same time.

“Council requests that visitors respect our staff as these measures are implemented and thank all for their understanding at this time,” Mr O’Reilly said.

For more details on Council’s pools, as well as community managed swimming pools at Koondrook, Leitchville and Quambatook, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/pools

ABOVE: Gannawarra Shire Council's swimming pool lifeguards undertook training on 13 November in readiness for the start of the 2020/21 outdoor pool season.