City’s swimming centres to reopen Monday

Swimming centres across Newcastle are set to welcome swimmers back on Monday, following the NSW Government's decision last week that outdoor public pools can reopen.

Newcastle's five inland swimming centres have been closed since the conclusion of the summer season in April and have remained closed in line with the Public Health Order which only allowed natural swimming pools, like Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths, to open.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the decision to reopen the city’s swimming centres.

"The importance of exercise can't be understated during the extended stay at home orders, so I'm pleased that Newcastle's swimming centres are able to safely reopen to swimmers from Monday.

"As the weather continues to warm up, people have flocked to the city's beaches and ocean baths, which have remained open throughout the stay at home orders.

"Reopening outdoor pools will provide more options for swimmers across the entire local government area, not just at the city's beaches and baths.

"City of Newcastle has delivered new playgrounds at Mayfield and Wallsend Swimming Centres, as well as a new accessible changeroom area at Mayfield Swimming Centre, in time for reopening."

The latest NSW Government advice states that from 27 September members of the public can resume swimming at outdoor public pools either within your local government area or within 5km of your home.

Beresfield, Lambton, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend Swimming Centres will reopen on Monday 27 September with COVID-safe plans in place.

Those attending Newcastle's swimming centres will be required to adhere to NSW Government advice, check in, wear masks while not swimming and maintain physical distancing. Pool visitors will be encouraged to swim and go, and all indoor and outdoor areas including grandstands, changerooms and bathrooms will be open and subject to capacity limits based on the 4sqm rule. Community sport, training programs and learn to swim lessons remain suspended.

Saturday 18 September marked the official start of the summer season at local beaches and baths, with lifeguards now on patrol daily at Bar, Dixon Park, Merewether, Newcastle, Nobbys and Stockton Beaches, as well as Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths.

For more information on pool opening hours, please visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/swimming-centres