Although the summer temperatures are slow to arrive, the Makino Aquatic Centre (MAC) indoor and outdoor pools are open, and the centre is now fully staffed ensuring the consistency of summer operational hours and programming for the future.

The MAC is fully owned and operated by Manawatū District Council (MDC). This year, MDC has faced lifeguard shortages that resulted in needing to reduce pool hours and limiting the programmes offered as publicised in May.  To ensure the MAC could return to its usual operating hours, MDC entered into a temporary arrangement with Community Leisure Management (CLM) in July to provide lifeguards given they had an existing team that supports pools across the region. This partnership, that started as a temporary basis, will now continue for the foreseeable future to ensure surety of lifeguards at the MAC.

The MAC swim school and reception duties will continue to be provided by council staff.  The only noticeable change the public may see is the CLM logo on the uniforms of the lifeguards.

“All lifeguards are expected to hold CPR and lifeguarding qualifications. There are shifts between 5am – 10pm most days and, as is the case for most pools across New Zealand, it is difficult to provide staff to cover all shifts. This highly attentive job mostly attracts young adults who still attend school fulltime.”  Adie Johansen Community Services Manager says.  “We are grateful for the personnel who have filled these roles in the past, but unfortunately we haven’t had enough permanent lifeguards to consistently operate safely.”

CLM is excited to partner with the MAC and with CLM’s experience and community focus already taking place in neighbouring pools like Marton, Taihape and the Lido Aquatic Centre, swimmers may already be familiar with the high standard and service focus that CLM values.

CLM Facility Manager Lynden Noakes says “CLM is excited to be able to provide the consistency of operations for MAC.  Swimming is a lifelong skill and water safety is paramount.  We are happy to provide confidence to the community through skilled and professional staffing who are already so familiar with the MAC.”

The MAC has both indoor and outdoor pools, a swim school, canoe polo, aqua fitness and inflatable obstacle courses on select weekends.  The MAC is open Monday to Friday 6am-9pm and 8am – 6pm Saturday and Sunday.