General News
28 November, 2025
'It's cool to be at the pool'
The Hopetoun Swimming Pool launched its 2025/26 season with a lively opening day on Monday, November 24, drawing 45 swimmers from babies to seniors.
President Patti Thomas said the community turnout exceeded expectations, especially given the early-season chill.
“We had a great opening day, and we had 45 swimmers,” she said.
“It was lovely to see all the kids just playing.”
She confirmed all swimmers were locals, including “a few new locals, but locals.”
The pool team has also welcomed a new lifeguard this season.
“We’ve got Macey Huf as our new lifeguard, and she’s a Hopetoun local too,” she said.
Lifeguards for this season would be Jourdain Thomas, Abby White, Rori Marshman and Macey Huf.
Ms Thomas said the public response was overwhelmingly positive.
“They were all very happy, and the water was very refreshing, but once they got in, nobody got out,” she said.
“Actually, nobody left before about 10 to 6.”
As president, she was thrilled with the strong community support.
“I didn’t expect that many because the water was still quite chilly, but they all still turned up,” she said.
“Even young ones, little ones, big ones.”
The pool will host its traditional pre-Christmas Friday night tea, and swimming lessons from December 26 to January 1, catering to babies through adults.
The pool is open seven days a week until Christmas, closing only on Christmas Day, with hours 3.30-6pm on weekdays and 2-6pm on weekends.
Ms Thomas ended with a simple message to the community.
“Come for a swim, as it’s cool to be at the pool.”