A breakdown at Ranfurly’s swimming pool has forced the cancellation of Maniototo Area School’s (MAS) Swim Week.

The junior school children were meant to be taking part in lessons each day this week, led by Central Otago swim coaches, but due to the plant failure, it was cancelled.

The week-long event is a popular programme on the school’s calendar, which benefits the entire primary school.

It was not known if it would be rescheduled. 

The fault was discovered on Friday, last week.

Central Otago District Council group manager community experience David Scoones said the pump needs to be replaced, which is being sent from Christchurch.

He said as soon as the pump arrived on site, it would only take a few hours to repair.

Once repaired, he expects the pool to reopen for the remainder of the season.

The pool, which opened for the season on December 4, has had a busier than usual summer after it increased its hours.

This season it has been open from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday.

Public supervised sessions were previously available from 3pm to 8pm on weekdays during the school term, 1.30pm to 8pm in the school holidays and 1.30pm to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Read more: Ranfurly Pool hours to increase