Dapto and Corrimal kids get a free pass for summer swims

Landlocked kids in Dapto and Corrimal have a free way to cool off this summer.

Wollongong City Council is running a trial digital voucher system for children aged between five and 16 at Dapto Memorial and Corrimal swimming pools over the summer holidays.

Each child is limited to 10 free pool visits.

In future, the voucher system could be extended or expanded to include people from refugee backgrounds if the initial trial is a success.

Councillor Ann Martin said the trial was years in the making.

“I’m really pleased we’re doing it; it’s wonderful we can do this for a community that often feel like they miss out,” she said.

“I know what I was like as a young person with a free pool; we were there every day we could be.”

A public access speaker, Peter Rafferty, suggested the trial be expanded to include people from refugee or migrant backgrounds.

He said it could go a long way to reducing drownings on our beaches and give people from those communities the opportunity to learn to swim in a controlled environment.

Councillor Jess Whittaker proposed amending the initial trial to include people from refugee backgrounds.

Councillors Kit Docker and Ryan Morris both supported the amendment.

However, Deputy Lord Mayor Tania Campbell opposed it due to the short amount of time ahead of the roll-out of the voucher trial.

“This is a brilliant idea and I’m so happy public access has brought it to our attention,” she said.

“But this program is about equity and fairness for the children in our city who live furthest from the coast. I think the amendment muddies it.

“I’d be happy to consider a future motion for another program across all of our pools for people from refugee backgrounds.”

Councillor Dan Hayes proposed the amendment be instead that the council consider such a program in review of the trial.

The motion, and amendment, were both adopted, to Cr Martin’s delight.

“This is a great example of how we can work together,” she said.

“We are a fresh council with some old bits tacked on.

“I know local government is infamous for the pace of change, but I appreciate now we can consider how to expand this program and consider refugee communities.”

The passes are available now. Visit Corrimal or Dapto pools with a parent or guardian and show a photo ID to staff as proof of address and to confirm the age of children.