Dive in and Learn to Swim at Council’s pools

Following a competitive process, Wollongong City Council has awarded the licence for the provision of three Learn to Swim programs at Dapto, Western Suburbs and Corrimal pools.

These programs provide community members access to swimming lessons within a Council-owned facility, which is a valued alternative to swimming lessons in privately-owned pools.

“Learning to swim is a life skill and it’s important to us that everyone in our community has the chance to learn to swim,’’ Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“We believe it’s important that our residents have the opportunity to access commercial learn to swim programs at some of our much-loved Council pools.

“The competitive process we have undertaken is a legislative requirement and will allow for swimming lessons to be offered by providers at Dapto, Western Suburbs and Corrimal pools, together with competitive swim squad coaching.”

The competitive process provided the opportunity for applications for provision of swimming services at all of Council’s pools.

The successful respondents were PK Swim School at Dapto, EC Sportz Swim and Surf School at Corrimal and Ron & Susie McKeon at Western Suburbs pool. The licences to provide swimming lessons will start from 1 January 2024 and remain in place for four years.

“The competitive process is important because it offers probity while facilitating and providing  opportunities for people to do business with Council. Going to market every four years allows us to ensure we’re getting the best service for our community while also providing new businesses the chance to demonstrate their potential,’’ Wollongong City Council Director Community Services Kerry Hunt said.

“We regularly undertake competitive processes for various construction projects, for the provision of certain services like road marking and kiosks, and for the use of our facilities for commercial programs like swimming lessons. We have clear criteria that we ask respondents to meet to ensure our process is fair, equitable and transparent, and there is criteria included to support and attract local businesses.

“In this instance, we invited submissions from suitability qualified and experienced swim coaches and learn to swim teachers to provide swim programs at all of Council’s pools. This has seen licences awarded for Corrimal, Western Suburbs and Dapto pools. However, we always welcome businesses to talk to us if they would like consideration for one of our other unallocated pools.’’

Read: Corrimal Pool statement

Ms Hunt said that Council would work with the successful respondents to ensure the transition of service from current to new providers is as seamless as possible to current users.