A new analysis reveals a stark disparity in access to public swimming pools across Australia. While affluent areas enjoy a high pool-to-resident ratio, outer suburbs and certain metropolitan areas struggle with limited facilities. This raises concerns about equitable access to swimming, a vital life skill and recreational activity.
The new $77 million Parramatta pool in Sydney’s west has 134,573 residents for each pool, while Lane Cove has 20,775. Affluent areas average as few as 7,000 residents per public pool, while suburbs farther from the coast may have as many as 138,000. Angelica Ojinnaka-Psillakis says it was a paradox: you can grow up in a country that prides itself on being a nation of swimmers yet never learn to swim.
“It was quite an emotional journey to learn to swim as an adult because I realised that I didn’t have the same opportunities as others did just based on where I lived. That shouldn’t be the case,” she says. Penrith, Hills shire and Blacktown – are some of Sydney’s worst-served in terms of public aquatic centres, according to an analysis of council and census data by Guardian Australia. Worse still is the Victorian local government area of Melton, where there is one publicly accessible aquatic centre for every 178,960 people. According to Dr Amy Peden, who researches population health and drowning prevention at the University of New South Wales, public pools are where most of us learn to swim. They are one of the safest places to swim statistically, she says, with clear water, depth markers and lifeguards. “We have millions of visits to public pools every year in Australia and very few drownings.” While nine in 10 Australians live within a 20-minute drive of such a facility, access isn’t evenly distributed by population, as the data shows. In Sydney, councils like Parramatta had more than 134,000 residents per aquatic centre, compared to about 14,000 in Randwick and just over 7,000 per facility in Mosman. The situation in outer suburbs in councils like Melton contrasts with inner-city areas like Merri-bek and Yarra, with just over 30,000 residents per public pool facility. Facilities also differ in size, cost and proximity to transport connections
PUBLIC POOLS ACCESS AUSTRALIA SWIMMING HEALTH
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mandurah mum travelling Australia felt sick after spotting crocodile in Exmouth at popular swimming spot7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Elijah Winnington claims gold for Australia at the swimming world short course championshipsElijah Winnington claims gold in the 400m men's freestyle at the world short course championships in Budapest.
Read more »
Australia's Max Giuliani wins silver at world short course swimming championships in BudapestMax Giuliani wins a silver medal in the men's 200m freestyle to cap off Australia's campaign at the world short course championships in Budapest.
Read more »
Swimming Pools: A Hot Commodity in Australia's Property MarketAcross Australia, homes featuring swimming pools are increasingly sought after, particularly in areas with warmer climates. The pandemic has sparked a surge in demand for these properties, as buyers prioritize outdoor living and create private sanctuaries.
Read more »
Australia's Ashleigh Gentle wins bronze for Australia at Ironman 70.3 World ChampionshipAshleigh Gentle produces a blistering run leg to reach the podium at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Taupō, New Zealand.
Read more »
Australia and India Draw Third Test Despite Rain Delay and Australia's Top Order CollapseThe third Test match between Australia and India ended in a draw after rain interrupted play on day five at the Gabba. Despite Australia's valiant effort to chase a quick score and set up an unlikely win, their top order collapsed, ultimately allowing India to secure a draw.
Read more »