SWIMMERS can dive in with confidence at Port Stephens swimming pools.

Our pools are among the top performers in the state when it comes to safety, according to an audit by Royal Life Saving NSW.

Tomaree Aquatic Centre came in fourth overall on 89.8 while Lakeside Leisure Centre has been ranked as the best facility in the state for safety with an impressive score of 93.6.

Lakeside Leisure Centre and Tomaree Aquatic Centre were also recognised for being consistent high performers, coming in first and third respectively.

Tilligerry Aquatic Centre was 11^th with a score of 86.1, which is above the state safety average of 83.99.

The Aquatic Facility Safety Assessment was conducted by Royal Life Saving NSW in conjunction with Belgravia Leisure.

It measured the performance of the 18 Belgravia Leisure facilities when compared with the 77 aquatic facilities assessed across NSW.

Belgravia Leisure manages 100 aquatic and sport facilities across Australia, including the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, Andrew Boy Charlton Pool and Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre, as well as the Port Stephens public swimming pools.

Ian Crawford, Council’s Contract and Services Coordinator, told News Of The Area that the results are a very positive endorsement of Port Stephens Council’s and Belgravia Leisure’s partnership in the management of our aquatic facilities.

“These rankings show that Port Stephens pools are some of the safest in the state which is a great achievement, highlighting not only the quality of the facilities but the locals who staff the facilities as well.”

“These ratings will only improve after the rolling closures scheduled over the winter season for maintenance and improvements have been completed at the facilities,” he said.

While the pools in Port Stephens are not new facilities, they are outperforming more modern installations which says a great deal about the management of the facilities.

The pools offer a range of activities including exercise classes for all ages.

 

By Marian SAMPSON