This summer, locals in South Australia’s Far North are diving into a refreshing way to beat the intense heat, as swimming pools across the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands reopen. Following major upgrades, communities in places like Pipalyatjara, Amata, Yalata, and Pukatja (Ernabella) now have access to these valuable recreational resources once again, bringing a cool break from scorching temperatures that can easily top 40 degrees.
The pool at Pukatja officially opened on Saturday, and the Government is also working to reopen the Mimili pool for community use. Though it briefly closed due to plumbing issues after opening for school use in term 4, efforts are now underway to make sure it’s ready for everyone.
In these remote parts of the state, where summer temperatures often top 40 degrees, swimming pools are a crucial resource. They not only offer relief from the heat, but also provide a place to stay active and connect with others in communities with limited recreational options.
Unfortunately, keeping the pools open hasn’t been easy. Some have had to close due to challenges in hiring qualified staff and maintaining the pools. Recognising how important these pools are, the State Government has worked hard to get as many open as possible this summer.
“I understand the value of these assets, in terms of recreation, community cohesion, and as a way of encouraging students to attend school, so I have made it a priority to open these pools,” Blair Boyer, Minister for Education, Training and Skills said.
“Having visited these communities, I know that the swimming pools provide so much value to the locals, as well as the regions, with students from other APY Lands communities able visit these pools to have swimming lessons and enjoy a splash in the pool.”
Students from nearby communities now have the opportunity to travel to other areas to use the pools. Those from Kaltjiti (Fregon), Indulkana, and Kenmore Park can visit the Mimili pool, while students from Murputja will head to Pipalyatjara for swimming lessons. This provides kids with the chance to learn new skills and connect with peers from different communities.
Safety is a top priority for the Government, so a special recruitment campaign was launched to hire qualified pool managers and lifeguards. The Department for Education also provided extra funding to help with pool maintenance and staffing.
New rescue equipment has been added to each pool, and the Government has continued its partnership with Surf Life Saving SA to run its Water Safety program. This program, which has been in place for over 20 years, teaches students important water safety skills so they can enjoy the pools safely. New fencing has also been added around the pools to make sure they’re secure, giving everyone peace of mind, and making the pools safer for everyone to enjoy.
More News
