Council’s plans for $2 swims makes a splash at Carlton Baths

Lord Mayor Nick Reece visited the Carlton Baths to talk to Melbourne communities about how to stay safe this summer, following the City of Melbourne’s unanimous approval of a $2 Pool Splash initiative for outdoor pools in Carlton and North Melbourne at the December 10 council meeting.

As part of this trial, the City of Melbourne will provide free swimming lessons and offer $2 pool entry, aimed at helping residents stay cool, save money, and develop essential water safety skills.

The cheaper pool entry fees will be available on weekdays for a trial period throughout January 2025 at Carlton Baths and the North Melbourne Recreation Centre, with the data collected set to inform the council of its long-term viability.

Alongside the initiative, the city will fund swimming lessons at the Melbourne City Baths for 400 residents.

“Over the last year there were 54 drownings across Victoria, every single case is a tragedy. Close to 40 per cent of those drownings were people from a multicultural background, we must act,” Cr Reece said.

“This trial will mean everyone can learn to swim, stay safe and enjoy summertime at the pool - regardless of their income or background.”

Around 55 percent of City of Melbourne residents were born overseas, with the initiative aiming to help culturally and linguistically diverse communities feel more confident and comfortable in the water.

Melbourne’s maximum daily temperatures are also expected to rise as much as 1.6 degrees by 2030, meaning more Melburnians are expected to retreat to the pool and cool off this summer.

“January is the hottest month of the year for pool visits – with nearly 13,000 people visiting one of our outdoors pools for a dip. Our team has dived into the numbers, and we’re thrilled to offer this trial to our community,” Cr Reece said.