The number of swimmers dipped at Corangamite Shire pools over summer.
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Attendances dropped 9 per cent to 50,801 at the shire’s six pools over the 2016-17 season compared to 54,164 the summer before.
Terang Swimming Pool bucked the trend with more people coming through the gates this summer compared to the year before.
Recreation development officer Lucy Vesey said there was a direct link between weather patterns and attendance rates.
“In 2016-17 the average mean temperature was lower for all months, with the exception of January where patronage and temperature were higher than the previous season. March was the only month to have a higher mean temperature than season 2015-16, this correlates with a higher number of attendances,” she said.
Ms Vesey said a number of events were hosted across the Camperdown, Cobden, Lismore, Skipton, Terang and Timboon pools, including triathlons, movie night fund-raisers and family barbecue nights.
Councillor Bev McArthur said with 4000 less people using the pools this year, it should be remembered that the facilities come at a cost.
“It’s costing $10.33 per person to ratepayers every time somebody uses the pool. It should be remembered… you’ve got to use it or lose it and we need more people using these pools,” she said.
Cr Lesley Brown said the shire’s pools played an important role.
“There are many benefits of our swimming pool programs, which offer physical activity, leading to a reduction in obesity and better fitness and social well-being,” she said.
“All pool committees are enthusiastic and excited to run events and maintain the high standards of the facilities.”
Mayor Jo Beard encouraged new programs and activities to help boost attendances.
“We want to keep these pools. I’m a massive advocate for them, we need them for our health and well-being,” she said.