Strathmont Pool

In reply to Ms WORTLEY (Torrens) (25 July 2019). (Estimates Committee B)

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta—Minister for Education): I am advised of the following:

1. In December 2018, prior to the closure of the Strathmont Centre swimming pool, schools affected by the closure were provided with information regarding 14 swimming pools across metropolitan Adelaide, which offered the Department for Education Water Safety program for students with disabilities. The swimming pools schools could select from included:

Adelaide State Aquatic Centre

Clovercrest State Swim swimming pool, Modbury North

Elizabeth Aquadome Swim Centre

Golden Grove State Swim swimming pool

Marion Swim Centre

Minda Home Swim Centre, Brighton

Noarlunga Swim Centre

The Parks Recreation and Sports Centre, Angle Park

Regency Park Swim Centre

SA State Aquatics and Leisure Centre Marion

Surf Education Program, West Beach

The Aquatic and Recreation Centre (ARC), Campbelltown

Thebarton Aquatic Centre

Waterworld Aquatic Centre, Tea Tree Gully.

The school-based decision in relation to selecting the appropriate venue for their students was made to address factors such as cost, travel time and any other requirements, which resulted in the best outcomes for the school and their students. The cost of transporting students to access the water safety program is funded by the school and it would have been a consideration when schools selected the appropriate alternative swimming centre in preparation with the closure of the Strathmont Centre.

In 2019, departmental data indicated that all schools who previously accessed the Strathmont Centre swimming pool have continued their involvement in the Department for Education water safety program at the following swimming pools:

The Parks Recreation and Sports Centre, Angle Park

Clovercrest State Swim swimming pool, Modbury North

Golden Grove State Swim swimming pool

Elizabeth Aquadome Swim Centre.

All students with disabilities are entitled to access 7.5 hours per term of the Water Safety program and this has not been reduced for students involved in the program since the closure of the Strathmont Centre swimming pool. The schools arrange the scheduling of the lessons directly with the Instructor in Charge of the centre to meet their needs.

As a result of the department's personalised program being available at The Parks Recreation and Sports Centre, the following new schools now access the program:

Woodville Gardens Primary School

Kilkenny Primary School

Trinity Gardens School

Findon High School.

2. Schools select swimming pool facilities based on suitability for their students' needs. Community pools present significant value in terms of social inclusion and students being able to continue their involvement in aquatic based physical activity as a recreational pursuit with their family and/or friends in the social setting of a community facility.

The number of lanes used in the swimming pool is determined by the number of students in a class, with a minimum of two lanes used and more available if required by the instructor in charge.

The Parks Recreation and Sports Centre has two swimming pools which are larger and deeper than the Strathmont Centre swimming pool. Improved water activities can be offered to students with disabilities as a result. In addition, schools are further attracted to The Parks Recreation and Sports Centre given the extensive improvement to the facilities.