No matter your swimming ability or sunbathing preferences, Sydney boasts world-class aquatic centres to suit everyone. Set in scenic settings and offering 50m pools with facilities that will enhance health and wellbeing – there’s sure to be one perfect for you.
Sydney pools are widely recognized as some of the finest in the world and a major draw for tourists and locals alike, but rising sea levels threaten their future and experts warn they could be “flushed out” entirely due to rising water levels – forcing Sydney’s famous ocean pools to either raise up or replace altogether.
The city is working to protect its pools and their history, but this may prove impossible. Some councils have taken measures such as providing free or discounted entry during off-peak hours for off-peak usage; Greens’ Matthew Thompson has called upon all municipal pools to do the same as swimming pools are considered public assets that should be accessible by all.
Sydney’s ocean pools were created as part of a community effort in response to swimmers’ need for a place where recreational and competition swimmers could do laps safely away from surf. At that time, beaches were too dangerous due to strong waves and shark attacks for recreational or competition swimming; according to author Marie-Louise McDermott’s research. All Into Ocean Pools provides an online archive that highlights their history.
These original ocean pools were built upon rock platforms to enable swimmers to float and unwind while taking in breathtaking beachfront views. As the city expanded, more ocean pools were built, however many are in danger due to rising sea levels and erosion.
An article published by The Australian recently explored threats to Sydney’s iconic ocean pools, once popular among both residents and visitors alike. Some have already been flushed away due to rising sea levels; rising waters will force some pools to be raised in response. Furthermore, their maintenance requirements will change with their elevation; pools that remain elevated must be cared for differently in response to increased levels of water.
Sidney Outdoor Aquatic Centre, open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, is the city’s most beloved pool. A great space for family fun with designated areas for kids and adults as well as a 295 foot spiral slide, the river provides therapeutic exercise or strength training – not forgetting its large deck with picnic area and inner tube rental services! As an added benefit there are fully trained lifeguards on duty.