Queenstown pool to reopen on weekends from Saturday

After six weeks of no weekend opening, Queenstown's pool complex is set to open its doors again from Saturday.

And to celebrate welcoming back weekend users, the Queenstown Lakes District Council is offering free use of its hydro slides.

The council has been desperately seeking lifeguards to patrol its pools. 

Between them, Frankton's Alpine Aqualand and the Wānaka Recreation Centre were down more than ten lifeguards as recently as February, and the shortage forced the council to make the decision to close the Frankton complex on weekends starting Saturday, February 18.

It's been a similar struggle in neighbouring Central Otago District Council, where there's been a campaign to recruit additional pool crew too.

In addition to Queenstown's weekend closures, pools across both districts have regularly been closing early or limiting hours, often at short notice, as a result of inadequate staff numbers.

In a statement this afternoon announcing the reopening, QLDC sport and recreation manager Simon Battrick says he’s excited to welcome the community back on weekends after what's been a successful campaign to recruit more lifeguards.

“It was a difficult decision to close in the first place and it’s fantastic to see our pool crew roster grow again. Swimming is such an essential skill and we appreciate how much families love coming here on the weekends to spend quality time together.

“We’re all looking forward to seeing a great turnout and welcoming everyone back at Alpine Aqualand." 

The hydroslides will be in operation on both Saturday and Sunday from 10.30am.

Despite the return to weekend opening, the council says its pools are still not fully staffed.

Anyone interested in applying should head online to www.qldc.govt.nz/careers, it says.