The district’s outdoor pools have opened for summer, including in Roxburgh for the first time under Central Otago District Council management.

Alexandra, Ranfurly and Ophir pools have also opened, and the council is reminding families to please keep a close eye on young ones.

The Alexandra pool had about 3000 users of the outdoor pool in 2024, compared to 60,000 annual users of the entire facility.

A decision was made to not heat the outdoor pool for the next two seasons, after the end of year financial report showed an increase in expenditure of $86,000 for pool operations - jumping from

$154,000 to $240,000.

Group manager - community experience David Scoones told council earlier this year that the high cost of heating the outdoor pool over summer contributed to the rise in fuel expenses, and the heat

exchange system also was at the end of its life.

A new system had been budgeted for in the Long Term Plan for 2027.

CODC aquatics manager Carly Lipinski said the pool teams have been working hard to get everything ready for the season.

One message pool staff want everyone to remember is keep watch, stay close, and be involved.

Carly said they totally understand how tempting it is for parents to grab a moment for themselves while the kids are swimming.

“Parents and caregivers are busy, and dropping the kids at the pool feels like some well-earned time-out; a chance to catch up on your messages, flick through a magazine or chat to your friends. But

things can change in seconds around water, especially for little ones.”

She said even confident swimmers, particularly kids under five, can find themselves in trouble if they get tired, panic or venture out of their depth.

‘Active Supervision’ is about being engaged and ready to help if needed. It means not only having a direct line of sight on the child at all times, but being in a position to be able to provide immediate

assistance.

“Lifeguards are there to keep everyone safe, but they can’t replace a parent or caregiver’s eyes. “Drowning is quick and silent and can happen in less than two minutes,” she said.

Supervision Rules

•   Children under five years old must be within arm’s reach and under constant supervision by a responsible caregiver over the age of 16 years both in and out of the water at all times. A caregiver

must not have any more than two children under five in their care at any time.

•   Children under the age of 10 must be actively supervised by a responsible caregiver over the age of 16 years at all times.

•   The use of mobile phones, reading, or other distractions is not acceptable while supervising children under the age of 10. Caregivers must remain alert and attentive at all times.

•   Safety comes first. Pool crew will insist that parents and caregivers meet their supervision responsibilities. When supervising children under 10 years of age.

To make things easier, CODC pools use bright wristbands:

Orange for under-fives - to remind caregivers to remain within arm’s reach. This includes the toddler pools.

 Purple for ages 5–9 - to remind caregivers to keep their children in sight at all times.

“Don’t ‘drop and go’ this summer,” Carly said. “Stay and play. Those poolside memories – the scent of sunscreen and sausage sizzle, laughter and splashes echoing across the water – are what kids

remember most. Let’s make sure those memories are safe ones.”

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