City’s $2 Pool Splash to make a summer comeback with more free lessons

The City of Melbourne’s $2 Pool Splash initiative will return this summer, slashing weekday casual pool entry fees to just $2 across selected city pools in January.

Councillors voted unanimously on November 11 to reinstate the popular program at Carlton Baths and North Melbourne Pool, after more than 9000 people took advantage of the discounted swims earlier this year.

First introduced in January 2025 as part of a 2024 election pledge by Lord Mayor Nick Reece, the initiative also delivered 400 free intensive learn-to-swim programs for City of Melbourne residents.

The expansion of the program will include 3000 free swimming lessons, to be offered across the city in 2026 to help more people build confidence in the water.

Cr Gladys Liu said she was proud of the program’s success in attracting new swimmers and opening up access to aquatics.

“I am especially proud that so many of those participants were learning for the first time,” Cr Liu said. “It really highlights the impact these programs have – making swimming more accessible and building confidence in water safety.”

The initiative comes amid growing concern about drowning statistics. According to Life Saving Victoria, 54 people drowned across the state in 2023–24 – 21 from multicultural communities, the highest number ever recorded.

While Carlton Baths and North Melbourne Pool will again host the $2 Pool Splash program, council officers will continue to monitor operations at the newly opened Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre (KCARC) – which opened in late September – before considering future inclusion.

“We want to ensure that when we roll it out, it’s suitable for the long-term,” Cr Liu said. “Let’s see how the numbers settle and get a handle on what is best needed there [Kensington],” Lord Mayor Reece added.

Cr Rafael Camillo said programs such as Pool Splash, alongside KCARC’s strong community focus, could also help curb youth crime by providing safe, positive places for young people to spend time.

“You can take these kids from violence and other things and help them socialise in the area they live,” he said.

Council will reassess the potential inclusion of KCARC in future seasons following a full feasibility review, but for now, the focus is on delivering affordable access and expanded learn-to-swim opportunities across the municipality this summer and beyond.