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Normanville pontoon appears to partially sink just weeks after relaunch

The Normanville community is dealing with a Summer curveball, after their newly reinstalled pontoon began to sink today just weeks after its highly anticipated relaunch.

The Normanville community is dealing with a Summer curveball, after their newly reinstalled pontoon appears to have begun sinking just weeks after its highly anticipated relaunch. The swimming platform, which had been absent from Yankalilla Bay for an extended period, is now partially submerged and largely unusable, forcing beachgoers to find alternative ways to cool off this summer.

Local holidaymaker Charlotte says it’s been an issue for a few days. “It’s damaged and keeps sinking.”

Nathan Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer of the District Council of Yankalilla said “Unfortunately the Normanville Swimming Pontoon has an issue affecting its buoyancy and safety.  Council needs to now remove the Pontoon from the water in order to assess the issue and determine the necessary actions from there.”

The pontoon’s return was celebrated with much fanfare before Christmas, following a wave of community support and generous donations. After the District Council of Yankalilla initially rejected a community-led GoFundMe campaign to cover the reinstallation costs, citing ongoing maintenance expenses, the community rallied together. The Yankalilla & Normanville Progress Association spearheaded a fundraising drive, exceeding the $9,000 target in just 10 days. This, coupled with an unexpected $10,000 contribution from two anonymous donors, paved the way for the pontoon’s return.

Mayor Darryl Houston expressed his pride in the community’s dedication to bringing back this beloved asset, acknowledging the efforts of the Progress Association, the anonymous donors, and council staff who worked tirelessly to navigate the financial challenges and deliver a valued resource to the community.

The pontoon’s reinstallation was seen as a victory for the community, who enjoy using it for swimming, jumping, and simply enjoying the picturesque views of Yankalilla Bay. The council had hoped it would bring joy to both locals and visitors throughout the summer season.

However, this recent setback has dampened spirits and raised concerns about the pontoon’s long-term viability. It is expected that authorities will be assessing the situation to determine the cause of the sinking and plan necessary repairs.

Before Christmas, the council has assured the community that discussions will continue on developing a sustainable plan for the pontoon’s future maintenance and management.

For now, the community awaits answers and hopes for a swift resolution, allowing them to once again enjoy the simple pleasure of swimming from their beloved pontoon.

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