Operators of our public swimming pools are bracing themselves for a massive clean up operation after the recent flooding events that have devasted parts of the Central Coast, Hunter Valley, and Mid North Coast.

After days of torrential rain and flooding, operators are only now just returning to their facilities to begin the process of assessing any damage to plant and infrastructure. While many residents in these communities will be focused on returning to their own properties, the floodwaters around Kempsey and Taree are slowly receding making it extremely difficult for pool operators to access assistance for the cleanup.

The local aquatic centre provides an area of sanctuary for many local residents to recreate, exercise and create social connections. Further damage to these community facilities from the recent floods, will only add to the already over stressed budget for councils to maintain these assets. Whilst many facility managers are now prepared to deal with these events, the shut down times, burden on staff, as well as the clean up only adds to the impact and severity of managing a community facility in times of disaster.

Over the coming weeks, Royal Life Saving extends their best wishes to all facility operators and their team for the upcoming clean up and repairs.