Women-only swimming program enjoying a wave of success
Published on 05 April 2018
A pilot women and girls-only swimming program at Mildura Waves is proving a resounding success with up to 40 people attending each session.
Now at the half-way mark of the eight-week program, the initiative has had a massive impact on some participants, who were encouraged to swim in a public pool for the first time in their lives.
Councillor for Recreation and Sport Glenn Milne said residents have told Council staff the women-only environment, including lifeguards and swimming centre staff, has made them feel safe and comfortable at the pool.
“A number of residents who’ve taken advantage of the program had never swam in a public pool before, while some of our older participants said it had been 10 to 30 years since they’d been in a pool,” Cr Milne said.
“This shows there is a genuine need in the community for this program, with several women telling us that concerns about their body image and self-esteem had been obstacles to them taking to public swimming pools.
“By providing an environment where local girls and women can feel safe, confident and comfortable to swim and exercise, even if it’s for an hour each week, it’s helping to improve their mental health as well as enjoying the benefits of water exercise and being physically active.”
The women-only swimming program started on 23 February and is an eight-week pilot program provided by Council, Belgravia Leisure and the Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council for one hour each Friday night, featuring women-only staff and lifeguards.
It is in response to frequent feedback from women in our region, who indicated one of the reasons they don’t swim is because they feel more comfortable in a women-only environment.
The four remaining sessions, which run from 7.15pm to 8.15pm, will be on:
- Friday 6 April
- Friday 13 April
- Friday 20 April
- Friday 27 April
The cost for each session is $5.30 per adult and $3.80 per child. Boys under the age of eight may attend with an adult. Price includes swim, spa and sauna.
Based on feedback from the pilot program, Council and Belgravia Leisure are offering a Come and Try Water Aerobics class at the Women’s Only session on Friday 6 April.
For more information contact Mildura Waves on (03) 5018 7500.
Media enquiries
Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au