MEDIA RELEASE - AquaCentre additions mean enjoyment for everyone
November 2015
The Manjimup Regional AquaCentre has recently taken delivery of a wheelchair, kindly donated by the Rotary Club of Manjimup, to assist AquaCentre patrons who have mobility problems to enter and exit the leisure pool safely and with greater ease.
Domenic Della Vedova, President of Rotary Manjimup, visited the AquaCentre this week for a demonstration from AquaCentre Operations Coordinator Rachel Halbert, on the features of the wheelchair and how it is used.
"When we became aware of the need for this wheelchair, Rotary was really glad to help out as it is different to the projects we normally take part in and certainly something we're proud of. The wheelchair is tangible and the benefits to the community are ongoing and will last, rather than an initiative that comes and goes and becomes a memory," said Mr Della Vedova.
The wheelchair is rated at 200kg and has several other features to allow for a comfortable and safe transition from the person's own wheelchair, or if preferred, AquaCentre staff can wheel the chair out to the person's car eliminating the need for a changeover. The wheelchair is then wheeled into the beach entry of the leisure pool by their carer, who usually remains with the person until they are either swimming, paddling or moving along the wall of the pool.
"We've already had fantastic feedback from patrons on the comfort and ease of this new wheelchair, which is much sturdier than its predecessor," said Shire President Wade DeCampo.
Cr DeCampo said that the wheelchair is another addition to the pool which makes it more inclusive and accessible for everyone in the Shire. "The AquaCentre recently acquired mobility stairs which can also be used to enter and exit the leisure pool and there is a hoist that allows for ease of access into the lap pool." There is also a hoist in the AquaCentre change room which gives patrons privacy when transitioning from wheelchair to wheelchair.
The AquaCentre accepts 'Companion Cards' as entry into the AquaCentre, however AquaCentre staff are also trained to assist people with varying abilities into and out of the pools safely. There are also group fitness classes hosted at the AquaCentre, both water and land based, that cater for people of different fitness levels, with injuries or with chronic conditions. Patrons are encouraged to discuss their requirements with the instructor, prior to the class.
"Thanks to these facilities, people are coming from Northcliffe and even Walpole to enjoy the pool, which is exactly what we aim to achieve," said Cr DeCampo.
