A young boy was on a waiting list for swimming lessons at the Sunshine Leisure Centre for nearly two years, a recent Brimbank council survey has revealed.
One parent said they were on the waiting list for eight months and heard nothing, while another waited to get into a class for so long they eventually went elsewhere, according to anecdotal evidence from the survey, which was conducted in June.
While the council says about 750 people remain on the waiting list for Learn to Swim classes at the centre, a bloc of community groups concerned about the centre’s future believes the number is closer to 800.
Spokesman John Hedditch, who is also a council candidate, said limited access to swimming lessons was spawning a generation of children unable to swim.
“The majority of kids of primary school age in this area either can’t get in the front door at SLC or are unable to access LTS classes in the area,” he said.
Council community wellbeing director Kath Brackett said swimming lessons at Sunshine and St Albans leisure centres were “extremely popular” with more than 1250 people currently attending lessons at Sunshine.
“While there is a waiting list, there are still places available in swimming lessons on certain days, at certain times,” she said.
“The majority of people who have enrolled for lessons at Sunshine Leisure Centre have been offered a placement either in a weekly class or in the school holiday intensive program.
“Some people remain on the waiting list predominately due to lesson availability not suiting their preferred day/time or other requirements.”
The community bloc has called for an independent, external review of the Sunshine centre and for the opening and closing dates of the 25-metre, heated outdoor pool to be extended so it is open from October 1 through to May 31.
The council is considering the proposal.
It is also reviewing fees for spectators at both Sunshine and St Albans leisure centres.
Ms Brackett said it was possible a blanket admission fee for all Brimbank leisure centres would be introduced.
