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Outdoor pools across NSW, including those in local government areas of concern, will be allowed to reopen from next Monday (27th September).

The move follows a meeting between NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and the mayors of the 12 local government areas of concern in Sydney’s west.

Fuelled by images and accounts of large crowds at Bondi Beach and other ocean beaches - seemingly ignoring lockdown measures - the mayors had appealed for restrictions to be eased at the time of year when outdoor pools are traditionally opened.

With the estimated 2.5 million residents of Bayside, Blacktown, Burwood, Canterbury-Bankstown, Campbelltown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, Parramatta, Strathfield, and suburbs of Penrith having been subject to strict stay-at-home orders, the mayors sought approval for community swimming pools to reopen.

The reopening of outdoor public swimming pools will be subject to having COVIDSafe plans approved by NSW Health.

Welcoming the move, Aquatic Recreation Institute NSW Chairperson, Matt Griffiths stated “we are pleased that the NSW Government has listened to our calls to prioritise the re-opening of the sector.

“Whilst we welcome the re-opening of outdoor pools, there is still much work to do with the (NSW) Government to ensure that the sector is provided with clear guidance around re-opening and is adequately supported during the post lockdown phase.

“The aquatic and recreation sector provides vital services to communities across our state in sport and recreation, education and training, water safety, local employment, and community health and mental wellbeing.

“Today’s announcement strongly demonstrates the central role that aquatic venues will play in the successful re-opening of local communities as we ease out of lockdown.”

Natural and ocean pools are already permitted to be open.

No indication has been given as to whether outdoor spaces associated with fitness clubs will also be able to again be operational.

Image: Outdoor pool as the Ashfield Aquatic Centre.

Article updated 9am 20th September 2022 to include comment from Matt Griffiths.

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