A Werribee mum believes parents who want to teach their children to swim are being left high and dry because of overcrowding at Wyndham’s Aquapulse swimming centre.
Zuzana Suster visited the centre a fortnight ago with her three-year-old son, but said booked classes monopolised pool space.
Ms Suster said she was repeatedly told by staff to move and was eventually relocated to a ramp area. She said she believed swimming school members were prioritised over casual paying members.
“I was totally disappointed,” Ms Suster said.
“Aquapulse is a $54.4 million facility that’s supposed to serve Wyndham community.
“We paid $6.90, the aquatic centre admission fee, which includes access to all aquatic facilities during operating hours.
“Lifeguards informed me the whole pool was booked for swimming lessons, and we were not able to swim [in the learn-to-swim pool]. We headed for the hydro-pool but were again asked to leave because only children under two are allowed to swim there.
“I felt discriminated against and ripped off.”
Aquapulse chief executive Bruce Mackay said all members of the community were welcome to use the pools.
“The Learn to Swim program has been hugely popular in the Wyndham region,” he said. “We endeavour to have available space for all members of the community throughout the day, with the 50-metre pool having space for recreational use … seven days a week.
“Balancing the needs for space for schools, community groups and clubs, with those of lap, squad and recreational users is a constant challenge at most major aquatic centres.”
Off-peak hours include Monday to Friday, between 5.30am and 4pm, and weekends prior to 10am. Mr Mackay said parents could bring children during off-peak times, but these were not the same times given to Ms Suster.
“We encourage parents to use available pools to socialise and practise learn to swim techniques with their children in the water,” Mr Mackay said.
