Attendances at Corangamite Shire pools have dived to their lowest level in three years, figures for the summer season show.
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Numbers for the 2017-18 season show there was an 8 per cent drop to 46,612 visits to the shire’s six outdoor pools over summer, down from 50,801 the year before.
Based on the 46,612 figure, it cost $11.38 per person to use the pool, compared with $10.33 per person the summer before.
Cobden’s pool bucked the trend with increased patrons over summer.
The council’s figures show attendance rates were on par throughout the season, but significantly declined in March.
Corangamite Shire mayor Jo Beard said a number of factors, including the St Patrick’s Day fires, had an impact, with some pools closing early.
Over summer, barbecue nights, movies, water polo and pool parties were among the activities hoped to boost patron numbers.
Cr Beard said pool committees would continue to work with the YMCA, which manages the facilities, to offer a range of activities at the shire’s pools.
She said the council’s continued support of its pools provided great benefits for residents.
“We can’t say enough about what it means for health and well-being of our communities, our pools tick a lot of boxes,” Cr Beard said on Wednesday.
Corangamite Shire plans to spend $160,000 in upgrades to its pools in the 2018-19 financial year.
A council report into the pools showed feedback from patrons was positive.
“Verbal feedback from patrons throughout the season provided positive comments especially regarding staff rapport, events, pool quality and cleanliness of amenities,” the report stated.
“Safe and accessible swimming pool facilities have provided the community with an opportunity to improve their health, mental and social well-being by providing family-friendly and accessible facilities, activities and programs.”