By Dongyun Kwon
With the school term back, the operating hours of Healesville Outdoor Pool have been updated.
Star Mail enquired Belgravia Leisure about its opening hours and the relevant policies to prevent confusion from this update.
From 3 February to 30 March, the pool opens between 3pm and 6pm on weekdays, and between 1pm and 6pm on weekends.
On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, it also opens in the morning from 6.30am to 9am.
The pool only opens on days when the Coldstream temperature is predicted to be 23 degrees or higher.
This temperature is checked at 5pm the night prior.
Belgravia Leisure community engagement coordinator Kelly Parker said the open hours were set up based on participation rates of previous seasons and in alignment with Belgravia Leisure’s agreement with Yarra Ranges Council.
“We set the hours of all outdoor pools based on a shoulder season either side of the peak season over the Christmas and school holiday period,” she said.
“The pool may extend its hours if the temperature at Coldstream reaches 30°C or higher at 5pm, and there are at least 10 people currently within the facility.
“This ensures that we can accommodate increased demand on hot days while maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience for all our patrons.”
There is also a storm’s policy that sometimes affects the pool’s opening hours to ensure the safety of all pool-goers by following best practices for storm and lightning safety.
In the event of a storm and lightning, the following steps will be taken:
1. Staff will count 30 seconds from the sighting of lightning until thunder is heard (this is known as the ‘flash to bang’ method).
2. If thunder is heard within this 30-second window, the pool will be closed for 30 minutes.
3. The pool will reopen after 30 minutes if no further lightning or thunder occurs during that time frame.
Healesville Outdoor Pool is a vibrant community hub that offers a wide variety of events, services and programs throughout the year, catering to the needs of people of all ages and backgrounds.
The pool hosts a range of exciting events, including weekly inflatable days, where families and kids can enjoy hours of fun on the water, and live music events which create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
It also celebrates special occasions like Grandparents Day, offering families the chance to make memories together.
The End of Season Party brings the community together for one last celebration, and the popular Doggy Day allows dog owners to bring their pets in for a fun and unique swimming experience.
Additionally, the Healesville Outdoor Pool has hosted many popular community events such as Christmas Festival, New Year’s Eve Party, Music Nights, Opening Season Party, Heart Foundation Walks, Summer Celebrations Event, Healesville Connect Picnic and Freedom Church Community Event.
Ms Parker said the wide range of events and services ensures there’s always something to enjoy, from festive celebrations to health walks and everything in between.
“The pool also plays an essential role in supporting local schools with Learn to Swim Programs, offering children valuable water safety skills and swimming techniques. The pool hosts Fun Days and Swim Carnivals, where students can participate in friendly competitions and celebrate their swimming achievements,” she said.
“These programs are crucial in promoting physical activity and water safety within the community.
“Beyond school programs, Healesville Outdoor Pool offers something for everyone in the community. Whether its local families enjoying a day out, seniors participating in special events like Grandparents Day or students benefiting from the Student Discount Entry Program, the pool fosters inclusivity and active engagement.”
