Council is proposing to stop providing a squad swimming programme at the end of June, following a review of its operation, cost and Council’s future role.

Chief Executive Hamish Riach said Council would continue its learn-to-swim programme at EA Networks Centre, but is proposing to no longer employ coaches for a squad training programme.

“While this is a change to what we have done for the past 10 years, we believe swimming should be treated like other sports that use Council facilities in the district, in that Council provides the venue and the sports manage coaching.

“We acknowledge that means uncertainty for some of our swimmers and the Ashburton Swim Team, but it does open the door for another provider to offer professional coaching services.”

Council first met with the Ashburton Swim Team in 2023, indicating its desire to move away from directly delivering the coaching services.

Around $50,000 of rates has been subsidising the wage costs of this programme over the past three years.

Mr Riach said recent changes to the programme had improved its financial sustainability, so with a different operating model, it could be a rewarding business opportunity.

There are currently 59 squad swimmers aged between 10 and 17.

He said ideally an external provider, private business or the swim team itself would step up run the squad programme, and there had been an expression of interest already. Council was happy to negotiate discounted rates to use the pool.

“The district has grown some talented swimmers over the years who have competed at regional and national levels, and no doubt there’ll be more. We remain committed to our learn-to-swim programme, which involves teaching water safety and the basics of swimming to about 1000 youngsters a term.”

Council is currently talking with the swim squad coaching staff about the proposed change, including potential redeployment or other employment options, and inviting swim team members and their families, and the wider public, to give feedback on the change.

It is proposed that the Council-run squad programme cease on 28 June this year, or sooner if another provider emerges or Council is no longer able to provide the service.

View the change proposal and give your feedback at itsourplace.nz. Feedback closes 13 February.