Sydney’s iconic pools have a special place in the hearts of many locals. They evoke memories of whiling away the halcyon days of childhood, the first swimming lessons under threats of being swept out to sea, and the final graduation from these shallow enclaves into the vast abyss – their rites of passage. But they are also spaces for community engagement and social cohesion, argues architect Tina Baker in her new book, ‘Sydney Pools: The People’s Swimming Spaces’.
While the iconic pool at Bondi Beach may be best known for its sand and surf, the city is home to more than thirty ocean pools. In fact, it has more ocean pools than any other city in the world. This extraordinary number is thanks to Sydney’s geography, explains Ms Baker.
Located between sandstone cliffs, they were built in the 1880s as a way of keeping the city’s rapidly growing population safe from shark attacks. The pools are popular with both locals and visitors. There are designated swimming areas, lifeguards, and plenty of shade to enjoy the summer sun.
It is a great place for families and friends. The main attraction is the water slide, which is over 200 feet long. It has a high speed slide and a separate children’s slide. There are also several food and drink outlets on site. There is also a park and toilets nearby.
The ebb and flow of local politics often plays havoc with the plans for public infrastructure. Budget blowouts, logistical difficulties and delays are all too common. But perhaps nothing illustrates these challenges better than the story of North Sydney Olympic Pool.
It began in 2017, when the North Sydney Council passed a mayoral minute titled ‘Finally fix our pool’, asking the state government for $10m to refurbish the city’s neglected inner-city swimming facility. The timing was unfortunate, and the resulting political battle ended in disaster for the city’s residents.
Across Australia, cash-strapped councils are cutting swimming times and reducing the availability of lessons. But this could have dangerous consequences, warns Royal Life Saving. “If people are forced to swim in rivers, lakes or dams because their local pool is closed, a single drowning death is the equivalent of multiple years’ worth of a pool’s operating budget,” says its general manager for capability and industry, RJ Houston. “A comprehensive targeted investment strategy to support community pools is needed, and now more than ever.”