Lifesavers want a jumping board removed to reduce the disproportionate number of rescues and injuries at a popular Victorian swimming spot.
The River Pool at Bright is open for just two months each summer, yet a total of 50 people were rescued in that time last season.
Life Saving Victoria has called for the jumping board — a major attraction which draws people to the pool — to be removed for safety reasons.
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In a report to Alpine Shire Council, LSV said 46 per cent of the rescues were in the jumping board area.
“The removal of the jumping board will result in a meaningful reduction in the number of high-impact injuries and aquatic emergencies,” the report said.
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The local council heard in a meeting on Monday that a dangerous draw card of the River Pool at Bright should be removed for safety.
The jumping board, which Victorians have been plunging into the natural pool from for up to 60 years at least, should be scrapped to reduce injuries and emergency incidents, according to LSV recommendations published in a report to the council.
The pool is open for just two months of the year during summer, and within that period last year 50 people were rescued.
“A total of 32 rescue incidents involving 50 individuals took place in the River Pool in the 22/23 summer season, with 46 per cent of these rescues conducted in the jumping platform area,” the report said.
The River Pool is typically operational from 1pm to 6pm daily between 24 December through to Australia Day weekend, and operators Belgravia Leisure said it recorded that approximately 12,000 people entered the water throughout that period last season.
Water depths vary across the pool, reaching depths of up to 4m, and dredging is currently performed under the jumping board to maintain a safe water depth of 3m.
Should the jumping board be removed, LSV also recommend ceasing that dredging.
“However, the removal of the jumping board is a significant change that may not be universally welcomed by the community, and the aim is to strike a balance between the recreational appeal of the Bright River Pool and ensuring an acceptable level of safety,” the report said.
Council discussed on Monday that with the removal of the jumping board, a complete reimagining of the area could be executed.
“Part of Council’s resolution from this week’s meeting is to undertake a Master Plan project for Howitt and Centenary Parks that would reimagine the area as a contemporary, high-value precinct for the community and visitors alike,” an Alpine Council spokesperson told 7NEWS.com.au.
A metal slide was also once an iconic draw card at the pool, but following previous LSV recommendations, it was removed in 2021, leading to a massive reduction in incidents.
The latest recommendations advised council that the slide not be replaced.
An upgrade and increase of all signage, the installation of life buoys, additional training for lifeguards (inland water training), and additional lifeguard equipment, was also recommended by LSV.
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