The results are in from our Lap Lane Swimmers Survey.

From Wednesday 11 October to Tuesday 31 October 2023, we sought feedback from current lap lane swimmers to help us better understand experiences with our lap lanes and where we can make improvements.

We have been busy collating the data and comments received, and the results are now in!

The information provided from the survey responses will assist us in identifying opportunities to improve lap lane swimming experiences.

A snapshot of our survey respondents

We received 591 responses to the survey. From this we received 415 comments.

Over half of respondents were members (56.3%). Nearly half of respondents (46%) said their usual centre was Fitzroy Swimming Pool. Over a third of respondents (39%) said they use our aquatic facilities three or more times a week.

Main findings

Lap Lane Speeds

No lap lane speeds will be changed due to the majority voting that they were satisfied with the current times.

Lap Lane Etiquette

We received feedback around lap lane etiquette. 

Here are our lap lane swimming guidelines:

• Select a lane suitable for your speed, as per the times on the lap lane signs.
• Swim laps on the left-hand side, in single file and keep lane ends free for turning.
• If resting, keep to the corner at the end of the lane.
• No lap swimming in aqua play lanes.
• Only overtake slower swimmers if the lane is clear ahead and it is safe to do so.
• Be aware and respectful of people swimming in front, behind and overtaking you.

A reminder that lifeguards are required to supervise the pool at all times and cannot address swimming speed concerns unless there is a safety issue. They are able to radio the Duty Manager for help with any queries if required.

Pool and lane availability

Check the online lane availability schedulefor the current lap lane availability. As we head into summer and the busy school swimming carnival season early next year, stay tuned for bookings. Carnival and other bookings will be communicated on our website, in centre and on social media.

We anticipate our lap lanes will free up with the reopening of Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre, as the Northcote Swim Club return to their home venue.

Facility quality

We received feedback around our facilities including cleanliness, shower temperatures and building maintenance.

Here is what we do to maintain our facilities and monitor the cleanliness of our facilities:

Cleaning

• We have cleaners scheduled twice daily. For deeper cleaning we have weekly, fortnightly and monthly cleaning schedules.
• Our Duty Managers complete daily cleaning inspections before opening and there are hourly spot checks by staff throughout the day.
• Any cleaning issues are logged and reported to our cleaning company and action is taken within 24 hours.
• We hold monthly cleaning inspections with the Cleaning Supervisor, Yarra Contract Manager and Leisure Coordinator.
• External cleaning inspections are held every quarter.
• With over 900,000 visitors per year, our cleaners focus on high traffic areas such as change rooms, toilets and pool deck flooring.

Maintenance

• All building maintenance issues are logged through a portal to the City of Yarra Building Maintenance team.
• Building Maintenance prioritise maintenance requests including plumbing and electrical emergencies.
• Aging facilities require more regular maintenance including proactive servicing/inspections of hot water systems, hoists, doors and essential services.
• Every year audits are held across our facilities to identify areas where capital works funding is spent.

Thank you to those who took the time to complete our online Lap Swimmers Survey. We appreciate your engagement and feedback and look forward to seeing you in the pools at Yarra Leisure.