Sydney may be best-known for its iconic opera house and bridge, but don’t be fooled into forgetting about its ocean pools – the world’s highest concentration per capita! These manmade public seawater pools, situated along surf coasts so waves wash over their sides, serve as secret swimming holes in Sydney – serving both children’s summer fun and adult socialization purposes alike. They serve as Sydneysider rite of passage – providing childhood summer fun that they return to in adulthood when spending time with their friends or as adult hangout spots with friends!
Under COVID-19’s pandemic conditions, municipal pools have found it increasingly challenging to recruit lifeguards. Competition from applicants seeking employment–not only lifeguards–is fierce. Sidney Water Park operations manager Chris Gaier states this issue was compounded by staff shortages at other pools such as JC Village’s swimming pool (closed multiple days this summer due to staffing shortages) which forced it to cut hours for some patrons which adversely impacted business; eventually SwimSafe pool management company was brought in by this town as a last resort solution.
Gaier notes that his pool works with several municipalities in the area and thus has access to more potential employees, with access to even more potential lifeguard candidates from training through local YMCA lifeguard certification courses and certification costs reimbursement; provided they agree to work at his pool for at least one season despite these efforts to meet federal patron per square inch regulations and staff at full capacity.
Many of the pool’s popular features, like a waterslide and whirlpool, have been removed due to safety reasons; but it remains an enjoyable destination for children and adults alike. “Both my children and myself love coming here,” says Lisa Gaupset, 41, an international television graphic designer. “There’s something magical about it.”
Icebergs Rock Pool in Sydney has long been an icon for residents and visitors. Enjoy beautiful ocean views while lounging around on its deck or relaxing under its cabana, or head upstairs to one of its balconies for drinks!
But concrete pools do have their disadvantages, including an impervious surface that attracts algae and mold growth. Furthermore, keeping it clean requires extra work than other kinds of pools – it requires brushing more often, and more chemicals must be added than usual,” notes Gaupset.
A blog dedicated to these iconic swimming spots would likely attract numerous comments from readers recalling fond memories of swimming there as children, learning to swim there for the first time under threat of being washed out to sea, graduating to deeper waters beyond its trapezoidal walls, etc.
That could take some time; North Sydney Olympic Pool provides a stark example of how long-running infrastructure projects can be, with numerous cost overruns and logistical complications along the way. It was started when Mike Baird was premier and Tony Abbott prime minister, when North Sydney council approached governments for $25 million to renovate it.