Pool policies

Aquatic Centre terms and conditions of entry

We have some conditions of entry that you need to be aware of when enjoying our swimming pools.

  • Entry at the discretion of the manager.
  • Children under the age of 15 years must be accompanied by a supervising adult (18+ ID required) (exception pass can be issued at Operators discretion, see information below).
  • (Milne Bay Aquatic Centre only) Spa and Sauna Ages 16+ ID required.
  • Children under 5 must be accompanied into the water and remain within arms reach.
  • Guardians and supervising adults agree to follow all instructions including Royal Lifesaving Guidelines for supervision.
  • Patrons who have had any symptoms of diarrhoeal illness (Diarrhoea/Gastroenteritis/Cryptosporidiosis or similar) are not permitted to enter the pool until 14 days after symptoms have cleared.
  • Patrons with open or inflamed wounds, contagious or spreadable conditions are not permitted to enter the pool.
  • All swimmers must shower before entering the pool.
  • Babies, toddlers or incontinent persons must provide and utilise suitable, unsoiled swim nappies.
  • Appropriate swimwear of an approved material, must be worn by all swimmers. Refer to Swimwear Policy below.
  • No alcohol, drugs, smoking or vaping permitted on the premises, persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to enter pool grounds.
  • No glass bottles or containers (including water bottles and lunchboxes).
  • No food or drink to be consumed in the pool.
  • No bikes, skateboards, scooters, rollerblades.
  • Animals prohibited (exception for assistance animals).
  • Water toys may be used at the discretion of staff. Body boards and surf boards are not permitted.
  • Pools are vacated during electrical storms.
  • Patrons must obey all safety signs and directions from staff.
  • Failure to observe any of the above may result in removal from the Centre.
  • Meta Glasses or any other body-worn recording devices are not permitted. This includes devices that are not recording or switched on.

Supervision pass: children aged 11-14 years

Pool Operators may elect to issue an appropriate supervision pass to children aged 11-14 years.

These programs are issued at the Operator's discretion and are intended to support children of exceptional swimming abilities to participate in more independent activities such as lap swimming and training.

Programs are subject to:

  • Swim assessment.
  • Behavioural conditions (any exception pass may be revoked or denied because of behaviour, regardless of swim ability).
  • Legal Guardian consent.
  • Any additional conditions or restrictions imposed by the Operator.

Any social or leisure swimming under an exception pass is restricted to the shallow end of the pool.

Please liaise directly with the Facility Operator regarding any enquiries including availability.

Keep Watch at Public Pools program

Council supports the Keep Watch at Public Pools program and requests that active supervision is undertaken by all parents and carers of children and non-swimmers when using the pool.

This means that parents/carers should be dressed ready to enter the pool, should be within arms reach of their child/children and non-swimmers, should focus all attention on their child/children and non-swimmers and should not leave their child/children and non-swimmers:

  • alone in the pool for any amount of time
  • in the care of an older child
  • assume less responsibility when lifeguards are present.

Thunder and Lightning Policy

  • All pools will be closed for half an hour following the first sound of thunder or sighting of lightning.
  • All pools will remain closed until a half hour passes with no thunder and lightning.
  • Members and guests will be cleared of the pool facility in the event of thunder and lightning.

Swimwear Policy

Clothing, other than swimwear, can create problems with water clarity, pool disinfectant and our water filtration systems.

Approved swimwear

  • Approved swimwear made from an approved material (lycra or nylon) must be worn at all times
  • Waterproof swim nappies are required for babies, toddlers or incontinent persons

While we are committed to sun safe and cultural swim practices; rash/sun shirts, burqinis and modesty swimwear must be made of an approved material.

Unacceptable swimwear

If you do not wear the appropriate swimwear you will be asked to leave the water.

Inappropriate swimwear includes but is not limited to:

  • Denim
  • Cotton (including tee shirts)
  • Leotards
  • Underwear
  • Work clothes
  • Street clothes
  • Sport/gym clothes
  • Footwear

Aquatic Centre rules

  • No running, pushing, diving or bombing.
  • All swimmers must shower before entering the pool.
  • Guardians agree to follow all instructions including Royal Lifesaving Guidelines (Keep Watch at Public Pools | Royal Life Saving Society - Australia) for supervision.
  • Babies, toddlers or incontinent persons must provide and utilise suitable, unsoiled swim nappies.
  • No food or drink allowed in the pool.
  • Boisterous or dangerous behaviour deemed not conducive to public safety is not permitted.
  • Avoid offensive language or behaviour.
  • Sitting on or hanging off lane ropes is prohibited.
  • Pools are multi-use, swimmers must share lanes.
  • To prevent the disruption of classes or programs, patrons are required to stay out of marked areas.
  • Nappies are not to be changed at poolside. Please make use of babies change room or male/female change-room.
  • Lifeguards and staff have full authority to enforce Aquatic Centre Rules or provide additional instruction.

Water slide rules

  • Anyone wishing to use the slide must be at least 4 feet tall (122cm).
  • Only one person is permitted on the stairs at a time.
  • Adults are not permitted to go down the slide with a child or catch them at the bottom.
  • Swimmers wearing floatation devices are not permitted to use the slide.
  • You must go down the slide sitting or laying down face up and feet first on a mat.
  • Swimmers must move out of the base area immediately after exiting the slide.
  • Swimmers may not bring anything down the slide with him or her.

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