People wanting to cool off in the heat of summer were forced to leave town to get a swim earlier this month.
Both Aquapulse and Werribee outdoor pools turned away would-be patrons on December 29. It is not the first time the pools have been full and people turned away.
But, on the same day, beachgoers were forced to travel further along the coast to cool down, with Werribee South, Altona and Williamstown beaches deemed unsafe for several days after a particularly violent storm.
Werribee South recorded the worst water quality of the three beaches this summer, and was deemed too risky for swimming 10 out of 31 days in December.
Council’s acting chief executive Kate Roffey said Aquapulse, which opened last year, has proven extremely popular.
“It has exceeded expectations,” she said. “This has brought forward consideration planning additional aquatic facilities, and council is currently evaluating needs and opportunities.”
Carson Brooks is acting chief executive of Western Leisure Services (the operators of the swimming facilities, and a subsidiary of council). He said patronage is always capped on days of extreme heat.
“This is to ensure that safety is maintained and the experience of our members and guests is not compromised,” he said.
Mr Brooks said a buffer exists to allow access to members.
Ms Roffey said the water quality at Werribee South beach is generally safe, but urged residents who are concerned to check the EPA’s beach report before swimming.
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