Locals five and under can now swim for free

Taupo District children aged five and under now get free entry to the AC Baths, Turtle Pools and Mangakino pools.

The decision to offer free entry to locals five and under was made during deliberations on the council's draft Long-term Plan in May. The free entry came into effect on July 1 and includes one adult actively supervising the child in the water. Mayor David Trewavas said the Council had heard the message from various submitters that some children were not developing swimming skills as well as they should be. "They told us this was due to the cost of entry to the pools, particularly for families, and free entry would let more parents get their young ones familiar with being in the water," he said.

"We live beside the largest body of fresh water in the country, so it is vital that we take the lead and make sure our kids are able to hone their water safety skills from a very young age. It will mean $70,000 less revenue, but cost should not be a issue when we are talking about the safety of our children."