The Whakatāne Aquatic and Fitness Centre has achieved NZ Recreation Association PoolSafe accreditation.

A report received from the Association last month noted the “great progress” made by staff in all aspects of the centre’s management. The PoolSafe system involves regular inspections of key operational components such as staff training standards, emergency planning, effective pool supervision (including guidelines for supervising children), health and safety policies, and effective water quality management and monitoring.

“The internal systems in place when the Council assumed management responsibility for the centre in July 2012 were deficient in many respects,” says Community Services Manager Paula Chapman. “A programme was initiated to achieve PoolSafe accreditation as quickly as possible, and we’re delighted that the latest inspection in November has confirmed that all of the accreditation requirements have been achieved.”

Mrs Chapman says staff will now focus on maintaining high operating standards and ensuring that the facility provides a safe, welcoming and fun environment which will attract a wide cross-section of users.