Activities and fitness classes at Milne Bay Aquatic & Fitness Centre (pool and gym)

Open hours 

Monday - Thursday: 5.30am - 8.00pm
Friday: 5.30am - 6.30pm
Saturday and Sunday: 7.00am - 6.00pm
Public Holidays: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Closed Good Friday, Christmas and Boxing Day
ANZAC Day: 1.00pm - 4.00pm

Inflatables and Waterslide (currently not in operation).

Facilities

• 50-metre outdoor lap pool
• 25-metre heated indoor lap pool
• fully equipped gymnasium
• group fitness rooms
• therapy/training pool
• children's wading pool
• spa and sauna
• poolside kiosk/cafe
• fully enclosed 45-metre water slide (currently under maintenance) 
• water spouts
• mushroom waterfall
• childcare
• onsite parking
• available for parties, please contact us for further information
• access ramp.

The Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre participates in the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia's KEEP WATCH Program. Our qualified lifeguards manage and supervise aquatic activities to ensure maximum safety and fun. However, children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or over, or by the legal parent or guardian of the child, at all times during their stay in the aquatic area. For 0–5 year olds and non-swimmers, a high visibility wristband will be worn as a means of identification, a parent or guardian needs to be in the water at all times and within arms' reach of the child. Please remember your children are your responsibility.

Swimwear policy

The swimwear policy across our pools is based on guidelines from the Royal Lifesaving Society of Australia (RLSSA) and from QLD Health. The RLSSA Guideline for Safe Pool Operation makes references to appropriate swimwear in public pools.

Adequate and hygienic recognised swimwear made from lycra and nylon should be worn at all times in the water. Infants are required to wear only recognised waterproof aqua nappies plus tight leg swimwear.

Membership fees can be found by viewing the Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre fees and charges.

Aquatic (wet area) membership

An aquatic membership gives you unlimited access to the aquatic area for the term of your membership. This includes swim, spa, sauna and aqua exercise programs.

Full centre membership inclusions

Includes reciprocal rights to Highfields Fitness and Recreation centre.

1. Use of gym facilities

Equipment available:

• treadmills and X-trainers
• rowers
• upright bike
• resistance equipment including fixed weight machines and free-weights. 

Please remember you must have a towel at all times - no towel, no workout.

2. Aquatic facilities (including pools, spa and sauna)

3. Group fitness classes

A list of available classes can be found below in the blue slider titled 'Regular classes'.

4. Face-to-face program

As part of our gym membership, we offer a face-to-face program which comprises one 30-minute session, for a total of five weeks with trainers, who provide free weigh-ins, measurements and training programs every 6-8 weeks.

Week one: health profile check one (compulsory)

• current medical condition assessed (including injuries if applicable)
• measurements are recorded (height, weight, etc)
• goals are recorded
• discuss the type of training program required.

Weeks two and three: ongoing training

• trainer will run through the training program by demonstrating each exercise
• trainer will assess form and technique to ensure safety and correctness of movement
• trainer available to answer questions about the program and modify the program if needed.

Week four: nutrition

• trainer will discuss any eating habits that the client may want to change (diets are unable to be provided)
• trainer can give advice on how to achieve nutrition and health goals
• trainer available to give advice on the training program, correct form/technique, program modifications, etc.

Week five: health profile progress check

• weight and measurements recorded
• new injuries or medical conditions recorded
• new program created and discussed. 

Car parking options

For the convenience of patrons, the Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre has parking available on-site, with extra car parking spaces available for patrons in the Water Street car park across the road.

Group fitness classes - aqua and group fitness

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

 
Friday

Saturday

Class information

Yoga

This class will challenge you to work on any imbalances you may have. It aims to strengthen weak muscle, and lengthen tight ones, whilst simultaneously improving balance and focus.

Pilates

Pilates offers a low impact exercise method through the means of flexibility, muscular endurance and strengthening movements with an emphasis on postural alignment and muscular balance.

ABT

This class mixes weights, resistance and cardio training into one fun and energising class working abs, butt and thighs. Suitable for all skill levels.

Boxfit

This class is a high-intensity boxing style class incorporating boxing and cardio into one fun packed class. Suitable for all skill levels.

Bootcamp

Bootcamp is a team-based program combining old and new school training techniques to keep you engaged and motivated until the end.

Functional Fit

This class is a combination of functional movement exercises, combined into one fun group class.

HIIT

This class is a time-based workout on the traditional HIIT formula. High-Intensity interval Training at its best! Using weights and cardio.

HIIT Cardio 

This class is the same as HIIT but all cardio based exercises getting the heart rate up to the max!

Cardio Burn

A whole 45 minutes dedicated to improving your cardio fitness whilst outdoors at our local park (Picnic Point).

Vets

A series of activities designed for our Veterans to enjoy together. For veterans only.

Aqua

Bringing Bootcamp into the pool. A combination of water resistance and equipment-based exercises injected into a high energy circuit will have you torching calories and toning muscles you weren’t sure you had in a delightfully refreshing way.

Aqua Dance

This class is similar to your Aqua class except we move to the beat!

Class safety

Remember to wear clothes that are comfortable and either aerobic or cross-training shoes. Please bring a towel and water bottle. Drink plenty of water and arrive 10 minutes before the start of the class to ensure you are properly warmed up for the class. Always inform the instructor before class begins if you are new to the type of class or have any health problems or concerns. 

Whether you want to learn to swim, need some help with stroke correction, or are after some private lessons, we offer adult swimming lessons for all levels at Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre. 

Adult Learn to Swim and Swim Fit Classes Coming Soon.

Milne Bay now has an InBody composition analysis machine which can provide a detailed description and print out of skeletal muscle mass, body fat in kilograms, total body fat percentage, visceral fat, total body water, segmental muscle and fat analysis, bone mineral content and also basal metabolic rate. The scan only takes 15-20 minutes and is completed fully clothed.

This can help in monitoring fitness goals, weight loss, and weight gain.

Cost

• MBAC/HFR members: $25 per scan.
• Non-members: $35 per scan.

How to book

Please contact staff at the centre on 4688 6330 or send us an email to book an appointment for your scan.

Waves Swim School will return soon.

Safety week 

For one week each term, Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre runs a 'safety week' when children take part in activities designed to teach them how to keep safe in aquatic environments. During this week children participate in circuits that involve wearing personal floating devices (life vests), using various flotation aids like balls and eskys, basic rescues using clothing and towels, treading water and swimming through currents and more.

Adult SwimFit classes

Love swimming, but feeling a little bit unmotivated? We have the perfect class for you!

Adult SwimFit classes have been designed to help push your limits, improve stroke correction and development while you enjoy a fun, friendly and professionally instructed group environment. Whether you're looking to improve your swimming skills and speed or just looking to get your general fitness back up and swimming, this is the perfect group for you!

Cost: $10 (casual) per session or you can purchase a ten-session pack for $80.

Bookings: Bookings are essential. Call us on 4688 6330 or email if you require any further information.

There are many benefits to hydrotherapy. It can decrease pain and swelling, increase function, strength, and range of movement. The hydrotherapy pool water temperature is maintained between 33 degrees and 34.5 degrees. It has been shown to improve mood and sleep in some, fitness and weight loss in others. The hydrotherapy pool at Milne Bay is a unique service and users must gain a referral letter from their doctor.

Specific times are allocated to groups to accommodate the high need. Please see the hydrotherapy pool timetable. If you have any questions please email or contact us on 4688 6330. 

The creche is open from 9am to 11am Monday to Friday and is available for your child/children to play in a safe and friendly environment while fully supervised by qualified staff. Bookings are essential as places are limited. Contact Milne Bay Aquatic Centre on 4688 6330 for more information or to book. Creche fees can be found in the Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre fees and charges.

The creche is closed public holidays and for two weeks over Christmas.  

Children’s parties will return soon.

Inflatables and Slide may not be available for use in some instances.

Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre can provide a range of exercise options for your school, club or group including dedicated lanes, to a casual group session using one or both of our leisure pools. Our most popular options are our end-of-year celebration options, school excursion groups, casual group entry and children's parties.  

Adventure city for end-of-year school excursions

Our end-of-year celebration activity involves a two-hour session of aqua fun and action dedicated only to school groups during November and December each year. Students can enjoy a range of activities including  swimming in the outdoor 50-metre pool and wrestling the giant inflatable, all whilst being supervised by our qualified Lifeguards. The program is suitable for years 3 - 12, for students with competent swimming abilities. The minimum group size is 25.

Included in these activity options are:

• lifeguard to meet and greet your group
• lifeguard supervision
• activities and equipment
• complimentary admission for teachers/supervising adults (one adult per 10 children).

How to book

1. To book, simply fill in the Pools - School end of year and fun program booking form Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre (online).

2. Read the Milne Bay Aquatic Centre - Risk assessment for school excursions.

Casual group entry

The other option for your school group or club is for general entry to the aqua area, where they can explore the options and create their own fun. To book a casual group entry contact the centre on 4688 6330 or email us

School end of year fun program venue and safety information

Before booking, the following information needs to be read. A PDF print version is available here: Pools - School end of year and fun program venue and safety handbook.

Teacher/carer to student ratio

The following teacher supervision ratios are required for students/schools when visiting Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre.

• standard (1:30). 1 teacher to 30 students.

There are exceptions to this ratio in the case of:

• students with special needs who need full-time carers present with them.
• a large amount of non-proficient or non-swimmers within a school group. Students who are non-proficient or non-swimmers must be accompanied by teachers for the course of the visit.

MBAC lifeguard supervision

The lifeguard supervision ratio is adjusted according to the standard of behaviour and standard of swimming displayed by the students. Normal operating procedure ratios are approximate:

• (1:100) 1 lifeguard to 100 students swimming.
• (1:40) 1 lifeguard to 40 students when the waves are on in the 25m pool.

Centre capacity whilst schools are visiting

The maximum capacity of visitors to MBAC when schools are attending is 600.

Equipment requirements

Student and staff are advised to bring the minimum following personal items whilst visiting MBAC (see our swimwear policy information below).

• proper swimming attire including rash top
• sunscreen (not zinc)
• towels
• personal medications.

MBAC staff supervision

All lifeguards have successfully achieved Queensland Royal Life Pool lifeguard qualification, CPR training, oxygen resuscitation and defibrillation training, bronze medallion and apply first aid certificates. Lifeguards hold blue cards as defined by the Commission for Children and Young People Act 1998 and have undergone a criminal check.

Keep Watch policy 

Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre has adopted the Royal Lifesaving Keep Watch Policy:

• Children (under 14 years) are not allowed entry unless under the active supervision of a person 18 years or older.
• Parents and guardians should actively supervise their children at all times and be dressed ready to enter a pool. For 0–5 year olds and non-swimmers, a parent or guardian needs to be in the water at all times and within arms' reach of the child. It is best if you are engaging with your child i.e. playing with them, talking to them.
• Constant active supervision is required for children aged 6–10 years old. Parents and carers must be prepared to enter the water with this age group.
• For 11–14 year olds it is recommended that parents regularly check on their child by physically going to where they are in or around the water.

Active supervision at public pools consists of four key elements:

• Be prepared: Ensure you have everything you need before getting into the water, such as towels and dry clothes.
• Be close: Always be within arms' reach of your child.
• All of your attention: Focus all of your attention on your child and get into the pool and talk and play with them.
• All of the Time: You should never leave your child alone in the water, nor should they be left in the care of an older child or with the assumption that your responsibility diminishes due to the presence of lifeguards.

Safety rules and how to play safe

As a visitor to MBAC you must:

• obey all safety instructions given by the operator or lifeguard
• follow all safety signage and displayed rules
• not engage in any unsafe or unauthorised activities that might endanger the health and safety of themselves, or any other person at MBAC, including reckless behaviour
• not deliberately damage, disable or deface any equipment, signage or device
• not run. 

First aid and evacuation guidelines 

Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre is committed to providing a safe environment for staff and visitors utilising the facilities. 

The first aid plan is to highlight and ensure there is sufficient coverage on the premises to respond to all first aid emergency issues for staff and visitors utilising the facilities. The first aid plan takes into consideration the operation carried out on the premises.

• type of work performed
• type of activities carried out
• potential injuries/illnesses and likely causes
• workplace hazards
• injuries and illnesses that may occur.

In the event of any injury or illness, all lifeguards at MBAC will provide immediate first aid response. The lifeguards will also assess what further medical assistance is required.

MBAC is located on the corner of Herries and Victoria Streets Toowoomba. The nearest ambulance is 200m diagonally across the other side of Herries Street and the nearest hospital is Toowoomba Base Hospital which is approximately 2 km from the centre.

Location of first aid kits

Fully stocked first aid kits are readily accessible and located in the following areas

1. First aid room
2. Lifeguard console at front of house
3. Lifeguard station at waterslide
4. Café
5. Gym
6. Crèche

As well as the first aid kits, every lifeguard must wear a bum bag with essential first aid items. Inspection and replenishment of all first aid kits are undertaken as utilised and also on a weekly basis.

First aid room

A fully equipped first aid room is available and is located near the hydrotherapy pool. The lifeguards are in charge of operating and maintaining the first aid room. Lifeguards are required to inspect, replenish, clean the first aid room, including all first aid kits, pocket resuscitation masks, defibrillator, oxygen equipment and all rescue equipment in the centre on a daily and weekly basis. The first aid room is well lit, ventilated and maintained. Maintenance of the first aid room is conducted on a weekly basis with a checklist outlining the procedures. A checklist is also available for the weekly checking and restocking of first aid equipment.

Emergency rescue assistance equipment

Rescue equipment located in many areas of the centre includes:

• Fire extinguishers
• Hose reels
• Fire blankets
• Buoyancy and reaching aids
• Throw ropes
• Spinal boards
• Resuscitation masks with one-way valves

Defibrillator

One AED is located at the lifeguard console at the front of the Aquatic Centre, with provision for adults and children.

First aid emergency and evacuation procedures

In the event of an evacuation of the centre, all patrons and swimmers must obey the commands of the chief fire warden and the lifeguards.  The muster point is on the corner of Herries and Victoria Streets on the grass area. The first aid officer and lifeguards are responsible for providing primary care to any personnel suffering from injuries prior to the arrival of the appropriate emergency service.

Duties of the first aid officer

On becoming aware of an emergency, the first aid officer must:

• obtain a portable first aid kit and report to the floor area warden
• attend to any injured personnel
• carry out duties as requested by the chief warden or the area warden
• when evacuating, report to the assembly area with the first aid kit and oxygen equipment and be prepared to offer assistance where necessary.

Documentation

All injuries will be documented by the lifeguards on a MBAC first aid injury form and also on a Council non-employee incident form. All forms are inspected, signed off by the manager and emailed to Council's safety department.

Booking the Aquatic Centre for a swimming carnival

Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre is perfectly set up for swimming carnivals and swimming trials.

Several factors are considered prior to conducting major events. These include:

1. Interruption to facility use by MBAC members. General guidelines have been developed to reduce the impact of major events on members of MBAC and the general community utilising MBAC.
2. Disruption to local businesses. General guidelines have also been developed to reduce the impact of major events on local businesses. Cooperation, planning and effective communication are key elements to successful major events. MBAC’s Aquatic Team Leader is available to assist in planning your event. 

How to book

1. Before booking MBAC for a swimming carnival or swimming trials, please read the following information below or print out the Swimming carnival guide for schools and clubs (PDF).
2. Fill in and submit the Pools - School or club swimming carnival booking form (online). 
3. View our Risk assessment for school swimming carnivals.

Swimming carnival guide for schools and clubs

Available facilities

The following facilities are included for use:

• 8 lane, 50 metre outdoor heated pool
• Shaded, grassed area to the north of the pool
• Grandstand  
• Outdoor change rooms/toilet facilities. Change room congestion is greatly reduced when students wear their swimwear to the centre.

Fees and charges

Fees can be found in the Milne Bay Aquatic and Fitness Centre fees and charges. All swimmers/ competitors (and spectators/parents if requested) will be counted and an invoice will be issued upon confirmation of competitor numbers of carnival. Teachers and officials will not be charged.

Equipment

The centre provides the following equipment for school carnival use:

• 20 chairs
• 10 tables
• PA System
• galse start rope
• Lifeguard (s)
• starting blocks.

No other equipment is available.

Electrical equipment

Permission to use any electrical equipment other than that supplied by the venue must be requested to centre management when submitting carnival application Any electrical equipment permitted must be safety tagged by a qualified electrician and approved by the centre management (as per the industry standard for use of electrical equipment).

Public address system

The public address system is provided for marshalling and general announcement purposes. The busy carnival season at MBAC creates some hardship for businesses. Minimal use of the PA system assists in alleviating the distress of our neighbours.

Public liability

The user group shall provide public liability insurance to the value of $10 000 000. The hirer must provide the centre with a copy of this insurance note when submitting the booking form.

Entry & exit to the pool

The indoor facilities at MBAC are out of bounds and not included in the carnival booking. School entry and exit to the centre is via the double gates into Victoria Street. The teacher in charge is requested to ask at reception for the aquatics team leader, who will liaise with school staff throughout the carnival.

Area restrictions

Students are not permitted to use or congregate indoors. This area is designated out of bounds. Students are restricted to outdoor facilities. It is anticipated that the school’s duty roster will make provision for the posting of teachers at each entry door to MBAC’s indoor facilities to supervise this restriction.

General public

The outdoor area is closed to the general public up to an hour prior to the Carnival and up to an hour post carnival.

Dismissal

It is the responsibility of the school to ensure that all students are required to leave the centre at the completion of the carnival and exit via the side gates. Students may not be dismissed from school activities within the perimeter confines of the centre. This requirement includes students dismissed into a parent’s care. Students wishing to re-enter the centre will be required to pay the standard entry fee. 

Student code of conduct

We realise that ‘out of school days’ create an atmosphere of excitement and freedom from the general daily routine. The behaviour and demeanour of students are expected to be respectful of the fact that MBAC is a community activity facility. Centre members, other school groups, parents with young children and older adults will be using the centre at the same time as the school. Students are expected to observe and abide by the safety rules and restrictions in place.

School staff

School staff will be required for a variety of roles throughout the day. These will include:

Supervision

A roster of duty teachers to ensure restricted areas are maintained and safety guidelines are observed. A duty roster should include:

• Regular checks of the indoor area (pools, pool decks, change rooms, café).
• Close supervision of students if they are required to enter the main building.
• Close supervision of lawn areas, including regular checks behind the water slide and outdoor change rooms.
• Administering first aid as required. The user group must have at least one First Aid Officer present with relevant qualifications.

Marshalling

A minimum of two school staff members will be required for marshalling duties for all events. The area adjacent to the pool concourse (at the deep end) is reserved for marshalling. 

Event officials

• Announcer: to use the public address system to call students for marshalling to events.
• Starter: to operate the starting hooter for events.
• Timekeepers: To time students competing in each event. At least one person will be required per student in each event.
• Recorders: To record place getters for each event. At least one person for the first four placegetters in each event.

Swimming attire

All swimmers/ competitors must wear appropriate swimming attire; this includes nylon, lycra materials and excludes cotton, denim, and polyester. A swimmer/ competitor found not wearing appropriate swimwear will be asked to exit the water. Crepe paper and or body paint are NOT to be brought into the centre.

Free time / free swimming / recreational swimming

Under NO circumstances is ‘free swimming’, ‘free pool play’ or recreational swimming permitted. The facility is hired for the specific purpose of conducting competitive swimming events where the maximum number of students in the pool at any one time is 8. Free swimming, free playtime or recreational swimming is unstructured and difficult to supervise in a hazardous environment and is deemed detrimental to safe risk management strategies.

Full cooperation with this policy is anticipated. A failure to cooperate may result in the school being asked to cease all activity or result in restrictions being placed on the day’s events

Refreshments and food

The café at MBAC offers a range of food and refreshments to teachers and students. When placing your booking please advise if students will be permitted to purchase from the Cafe. This will enable the café coordinator to roster extra staff for your event. 

The sale of food by the school is strictly prohibited. Prior approval for fundraising activities such as raffles, sausage sizzles and display of advertising materials must be gained at the time of booking.

Disposal of litter

Ample rubbish bins will be in place during the busy carnival season. The grounds and facilities at MBAC will be clean and ready for use. We request that schools take time prior to departure to ensure all litter and rubbish is placed in the bins provided.

Any damage to any part of the centre by any person belonging to the user group will be the responsibility of the user group. If at any time the centre is left in a damaged condition then the user group will be responsible for the payment of a repairers charge. This fee is payable within 7 working days of the issue of the invoice.

Incident and hazard reporting

Incidents and or hazards that occur within the hired facility must be reported to management as soon as practicable on the day by either the hirer or user. MBAC will provide the necessary forms.

Alcohol

Alcohol is not permitted within or on any of the facility or with the grounds of MBAC.

Emergency evacuation plan from the 50m pool

The evacuation alarm sound is 'whoop, whoop, whoop'.

Upon the sounding of the evacuation, or upon the direction or wardens, all personnel within the building will be required to:

• cease all activities immediately and shut-down any equipment.
• gather any personal belongings in close proximity and evacuate via the nearest emergency exit.
• respond to all directions given by the wardens.
• move to the assembly area immediately.
• remain in the assembly area until given further in instructions.

Current programs and events have been cancelled or postponed from midday 23 March 2020.

The inflatable course that operates is dependent on the age group of the patrons. This may change throughout the day. The operation is also dependent on weather conditions and lifeguard availability.