Staffing shortage forces pools to shut

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Due to COVID-19 testing causing lifeguard staffing issues, the Black Hill, Brown Hill and Buninyong pools will be closed to allow remaining staff to be redirected to the City of Ballarat’s busiest pools, the Ballarat Aquatic & Lifestyle Centre (BALC) and the Eureka Pool. 

City of Ballarat Acting CEO Matthew Wilson said these decisions had not been taken lightly and apologised for the inconvenience caused. 

“However, we have to be able to keep our aquatic supervision levels in line with regulations and we can’t do that without consolidating our staff numbers at BALC and Eureka pools,” Mr Wilson said. 

“We will always prioritise water safety for our patrons at our aquatic facilities and unfortunately we can’t meet these requirements across all of our pools at this point in time. 

“The COVID-19 testing of several of our lifeguards is also not related to any of our aquatic facilities.” 

Mr Wilson said all Black Hill, Brown Hill and Buninyong season pass holders can attend the Eureka Pool on their existing passes and all VICSWIM programs will also be relocated to the Eureka Pool. 

BALC is open 6am-9pm Monday to Friday, 6am-6pm Saturday and 8am-6pm Sunday. 

The Eureka Pool is open 6am-7pm Monday to Friday and 8am-7pm on weekends. 

“We will let the community know once these pools can reopen and I would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this period,” Mr Wilson said.