'We need to be safe': Pool staff defend Covid-19 safety measures at Whanganui Splash Centre

It is uncertain whether the Whanganui East Pool complex will be able to open this summer and what safety measures might be needed. Photo /NZME

A Whanganui district councillor says Covid-19 restrictions at pools in the city are overly conservative.

Councillor Philippa Baker-Hogan said that after seeing easier access at pools elsewhere, she believed the current rules at the Splash Centre were too strict.

"I have either visited or googled a number of pools around New Zealand and most, including all Christchurch pools, have no restrictions around the use of its pool and fitness centre," she said.

"As a councillor, I feel responsibility in my governance role to see that people are able to make the best possible use of our pools and recreation facilities."

Council property operations manager Sandra Woodhead said added restrictions were needed for the presence of the Delta variant of Covid-19 in New Zealand before the Splash Centre reopened in September.

In a report to the council, Woodhead said the Splash Centre, with direction from Sport NZ and industry guidelines, decided on taking a phased approach by first opening the main pool areas and gym to give a better understanding of the management of alert level 2.

"Once they were confident with the main pool they then proceeded with opening the spa and hydrotherapy pools, with limits on how many people could be in both.

"Learn to Swim was nearing the end of its classes when we went into lockdown with three
classes remaining. The Splash Centre decided they would cancel the remaining classes and restart in the school holidays with limited numbers."

A booking system was introduced and the steam room, sauna and hydroslide are closed.

Visitors are required to sign or scan in, wear masks and maintain 2m distances. Showers are not operational although the changing facilities can be used.

Woodhead said Splash Centre Whanganui staff are experienced public swimming pool operators and therefore best placed to make decisions about safety.

Management had consulted with Sport NZ and local overseer Sport Whanganui on setting safety guidelines.

She said officers had conducted a "tabletop" exercise against facilities in other regions and did not find that Whanganui's restrictions were more conservative.

Sport Whanganui chief executive Danny Jonas said public safety has to be the first concern and while the restrictions may be causing frustration they were necessary, he said.

"Covid is a changing beast and we can't predict its movements so we have to err on the side of caution and do the best we can to keep everyone safe," he said.

"I have to give praise to the Splash Centre staff because it is a big responsibility to be keeping everyone safe and not an easy environment to be in while wearing masks all day."

Baker-Hogan said while it remained uncertain how long Whanganui would remain in Covid-19 level 2, it was important to ensure the public was getting the best use of its facilities.

"While it is great that the Splash Centre would be accessing the Government Wage Subsidy and Resurgence Support Payment, we need to work towards not needing those subsidies."

The Whanganui East Pool complex on Tinirau St usually opens in December each year and was open for 12 weeks last summer. Jonas said he is unsure at this stage when and if the pool would open this year but a planning meeting was scheduled for next week.