As summer approaches, the 2025/26 swimming season begins for Shire pools on Monday 8 December.

The Daylesford Olympic Pool in Central Springs Road will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday during school term between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm. During school holidays and on weekends and public holidays (except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day), the pool will be open from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Entry remains free.

The state wide VICSWIM programme administered by Aquatics and Recreation Victoria is again offered this season at Daylesford pool. Under the program, children aged between 4 to 12 can book five 30-minute lessons during January for a heavily subsidised fee of $43.

“VICSWIM gives local kids a chance to learn important water safety skills at an affordable price,” said Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas. “This helps ensure more families can afford lessons for their children a benefit especially during times of cost-of-living pressure.”

It’s worth noting, however, that Daylesford and the other Shire-managed pools are outdoor pools with limited heating, if any. The Daylesford pool has solar panels and pool covers but water temperatures are seldom above 25°C, much cooler than an indoor learn-to-swim pool (usually about 32°C). This is a practical concern for comfort and suitability, especially for younger children in learn-to-swim programs.

According to the Council’s most recent performance reporting, the Shire’s outdoor pools get very modest use: on average, 0.9 swims per resident per year. That equates to roughly 25,000 swims annually across the Shire. Given the roughly $500,000-plus annual cost (maintenance, staffing, water, chemicals) and limited patronage, the cost to Council works out to about $25 subsidised per swim.

In recognition of these limitations, the 2022 adoption of the Hepburn Shire Aquatics Strategy flagged the need for all-year-round, indoor aquatics provision. Council has since commissioned a formal feasibility study and business case which was due to report in November 2023 but the report, if completed, has not yet been presented at Council or released to the community.

This article is based partly on a media release from the office of Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas.