BIG WEEKEND: The Orange Aquatic Centre was a drawcard for residents trying to cool off at the weekend in hot conditions. Photo: JAIME PRIEST 0105JPPOOL4
BIG crowds flocked to Orange Aquatic Centre on the weekend, with some children who turned up without adult supervision turned away.
More than 1000 people went through the gates on Saturday in what centre management expects to be the forerunner to record crowds at the pool this summer.
About 320 adults attended the pool, with 400 children and 132 families through the gates before 4pm.
“We have been so busy for the last few days, but this warmer weather will bring in even more,” aquatic centre manager Josh Maley said.
However, Mr Maley said several children under the age of 12 who turned up at the pool without a supervising adult had to be turned away , in line with council policy.
“We would like to remind parents, particularly those who may be going back to work that they can’t send their children down to the pool unsupervised,” he said.
Orange City Council reviewed its policy two years ago after council staff were having difficulty managing the issue of older siblings being sent to the pool in charge of younger children.
Mr Maley said the larger covered area of the new aquatic centre was also a drawcard for parents who wanted to keep their children out of the sun.
During the hot weather he said pool management had the discretion to extend pool hours in the evening.
“That’s very much a decision we make on the day,” Mr Maley said.
The Orange Aquatic Centre is open Monday to Friday from 6am to 7.30pm, on Saturday from 6am to 7pm, and on Sunday from 8am to 7pm.
janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au