Two local swim clubs have joined forces in lobbying council to consider opening at least one public pool next season.
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Under Tamworth Regional Council's Drought Management Plan, if the city hits level 5 water restrictions, which are imminent, both Scully Park and City Memorial Pools will remain empty.
On Thursday night the 360 Scully club held a meeting to discuss possible options, and on Friday issued every councillor, and council, with a letter outlining their desire to have at least one pool open despite restrictions.
In order for that to happen councillors would have to vote to override the Drought Management Plan, and are holding "a workshop" on August 20 to "consider all alternatives."
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360 Scully president Peter Ryan understands that "council are in a tough situation", but remains optimistic that a compromise between all clubs and recreational swimmers could be reached with one pool open.
"We are lucky to have the 25m 360 pool as a back-up, but our members, parents, and the club have put in a huge amount of work that we don't want to lose," he said.
"Being able to train in a 50 m pool contributes to the success of the swimmers, particularly at country, state and national levels."
In the letter sent to councillors, the club also alludes to Tamworth's soaring rates of obesity, and the detrimental effects, both physically and mentally having no access to a public pool might have on the community.
Sharks president Grant Simm is certain the club is going to lose members, although is hoping council can help "make the best out of a bad situation by opening one of the pools."
"We are planning for the worst and looking at Werris Creek, Gunnedah and Manilla, but that is a lot of extra traveling and costs," he said.
"There will also be a really large flow on effect to school carnivals, and even the Swim to Survive programs.
"We have increasing drowning rates in Australia, and for a lot of kids that is the only training they get."
Young gun Connor Roberts is considering moving towns in order to continue chasing his Olympic dream.
"You gotta train in a 50m pool to be able to compete at your best in a 50m pool," he said.
"Closing the pools would have a big impact on my preparation for next year's National Championships and Olympic trials."
