The Whakatāne Aquatic and Fitness Centre has been granted Poolsafe accreditation by the New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) for 2017-2018. The Poolsafe scheme is an independent assessment of public pools and is an initiative jointly developed by the NZRA and Water Safety New Zealand.

To receive accreditation, the Whakatāne Aquatic and Fitness Centre completed an extensive three-month audit process, and Whakatāne Mayor Tony Bonne says the accreditation is well-deserved. 

“The Poolsafe audit process included a documentation and procedures review, onsite inspection, a health and safety review and an improvement process, as well as staff assessments, so it is pretty comprehensive,” he says. “All Centre staff were involved in the process, and it means we can be sure we are offering the best possible service and that the facility is safe for users and for the staff who work there. This is great for our community and a real credit to all our Aquatic and Fitness Centre staff.”