Remediation work on the splashdeck at EA Networks Centre has been programmed after the school holidays, for the two weeks beginning Monday 6 October.

The toddler pool and the leisure pool will be closed while the old splashdeck surface is removed and a new one laid, but all other pools in the aquatic area remain open.

People and Facilities Group Manager Sarah Mosley said the splashdeck surface was being replaced by Lifefloor, a widely used product in aquatic areas.

“The work will happen during the day and also at night, and it won’t affect our learn-to-swim programme or other aquatic classes. It is in the two weeks straight after the school holidays, and we’re also going to fit in some safety improvements to floors in other wet areas.”

The original recycled rubber splashdeck surface was laid in January but has not lived up to expectations and is being replaced at no cost to Council.

“It’s disappointing, but we’re going to end up with a better surface that will perform well for years, and we’re working hard to ensure there’ll be limited disruption for users while the remediation work is done.”

However, the whole pool area will be closed on the weekend of 18 and 19 October, while aquatic staff retrain for a new international lifeguard qualification.

Ms Mosley said EA Networks Centre would be the first facility in New Zealand to fully adopt the international programme.

“We’re also going to work towards becoming a training centre for new lifeguards. For the last 25 years in New Zealand, there’s only been one lifeguarding qualification and this new international programme will really lift the standard.

“Our goal is and has always been to prevent incidents, and we’re equipping our team with new tools and skills to provide the best possible response.”

On 18 and 19 October, all aquatic staff will undertake a retraining process for the new qualification.

“We train many young people to be lifeguards and now they can use this qualification to lifeguard anywhere in the world.”

The additional training is in rescue techniques, oxygen therapy and other essential skills.

The aquatic area will be open as usual on Monday 20 October.