Swimmers are taking the plunge to save Hamilton's Municipal Pools.
The century-old complex, which comprises heated 25m, 15m and 10m pools, is under threat of permanent closure.
Closing the pool is one of the cost-cutting measures adopted by cash-strapped Hamilton City Council as part of its 10-year austerity plan.
Unless pool usage increases dramatically, the council is likely to shut it down as of March 31.
Keen swimmers wanting to see a retention of the only outdoor pool in the city have started a campaign to ensure the pool will reopen for the 2012-2013 summer.
A public meeting is planned for February 15 at 7.30pm in the Celebrating Age Centre, Victoria St and hopes are that the community gets behind the campaign.
Support can also be registered at sinkorswim@xtra.co.nz or call Megan on 021 0225 4617.
The pool is open from 5.30am till 6pm weekdays and 10am till 6pm on weekends and is covered by all Waterworld memberships.
Backers want as many people as possible to experience the Municipal Pools and hope that increased patronage will convince the council that the expense of maintaining the pools will be covered.
Those wanting to see the pools remain open are concerned at the lack of swimming space in Hamilton and the general lack of water skills in the community. They see the central city location as a real bonus.
At the public meeting feedback will be given by council staff and interest will be gauged from those attending. It is hoped to identify what the community needs to do to ensure the pools continue. Supporters want to encourage recreational swimmers, swim clubs, schools, sports organisations and businesses to become passionate about the facility.
Spokesperson for the support group Megan Bourke is a regular at the pools and trains for open water swimming events.
"There are a lot of people who swim at the pool who have achieved really amazing things - battling life-threatening illnesses and still coming in the first three across the line in age group in open water events.
"Others are training for championships and breaking age group records."
She says it is a wonderful facility and worth fighting for.
Jason Rogers, the council's leisure facilities manager, says staff are working to determine how the public consultation process will operate.
"It is important to note that operating the pool as a swimming facility during the winter is financially unsustainable."
He says a report tabled at the council meeting on December 8 recommended closure of the Municipal Pools.
"This closure was recommended due to increasing maintenance costs for the ageing facility, which requires extensive renovation and repair. These repairs include re-lining of the larger of the two pools, installation of a new pump room and machinery, and pipes. Staff have estimated the total cost as near $1 million.
"The report included a recommendation that the pools remain open until March 31, 2012, and subsequent consultation with the community."