Carterton Swimming Club’s facilities on Pembroke Street. PHOTO/FILE
ELISA VORSTER
Answers are still being sought about the state of Carterton’s indoor swimming pool, with some schools unsure whether they will return there once the warm weather ends.
Urgent remedial work was carried out last year at the pool to prevent ceiling panels from falling onto pool users.
A press release last October confirmed a risk assessment undertaken by the pool owners, Carterton Swimming Club (CSC), had revealed there was significant risk of acoustic panels and supporting battens falling.
CSC President Dean Adams confirmed last week that the club had carried out temporary bracing to some of the ceiling and removed the worst tiles and battens while they waited for further engineering reports confirming what was required and which solution was best.
He said they were in “a bit of a holding pattern” while they waited for a further engineer’s report and were looking at several options ranging from “removing everything”, installing safety netting, and adding extra bracing.
The pool is still in use as Mr Adams does not believe it poses a safety risk.
“I believe it is [safe] – my kids go there and swim.
“That’s in my judgement and each individual person has to make that decision I suppose.”
Meanwhile, Ponatahi Christian School is still refraining from holding lessons in the indoor pool, choosing only to use the outdoor area until it receives confirmation the pool is 100 per cent safe for its pupils.
“They’ve got the outdoor pool so we’re doing lessons out there while it is still warm enough,” principal Peter Bertram said.
Last year, Mr Bertram was supportive of the swim academy and swim club’s role in the community, but ruled out taking its students there due to safety concerns.
“Even though it’s probably safe, probably is not good enough when you have got a class of kids.
“We are dealing with precious kids that belong to other parents, it’s the only way we proceed in these matters.”
South End School was also looking forward to using the indoor pools later in the year but principal Clare Crawford said they would not commit to anything until they had clarification from the swim club around the safety of the building.
“We are using the outdoor pool but I’m keen to sit down and discuss how to make it work.
“Before I make a decision, I would want some answers.”
The facility will be closed on April 19 for general pool maintenance which Mr Adams said would be a good opportunity to have a more thorough look at the roof space.
Deputy Mayor Russell Keys said the swimming club was working through the options and possible costs and would likely have more information in the coming weeks.
