Early Access Program - Bingara Pool

Start your day with a refreshing swim at the Bingara War Memorial Baths!

Gwydir Shire Council is introducing an Early Morning Pool Access Program, allowing registered swimmers to enjoy the pool outside normal supervised opening hours.

Initially, the program will be available at the Bingara War Memorial Baths, with plans to introduce early morning access at the Warialda War Memorial Olympic Pool once the facility reopens.

Designed primarily for lap swimming, the program provides a convenient and affordable way to stay active and enjoy an early morning swim.

Early Morning Access Hours

Daylight hours only – until 11:00 am daily

Early morning access is available during daylight hours through an electronic fob system for registered participants who have completed the required safety induction.

Swimming before daylight is strictly prohibited. Participants are responsible for ensuring there is sufficient natural daylight before entering the water.

Important: Early morning access is unsupervised, with no lifeguard or pool attendant on duty.

Early Morning Access Fees

  • Full Season – $60: From commencement of the paid program until the end of the 2026/27 swimming season.
  • First Half Season – $40: From commencement of the paid program until 15 January 2027.
  • Second Half Season – $40: From 16 January 2027 until the end of the 2026/27 swimming season.
  • Fortnightly Access – $20: 14 consecutive days from the date of activation.
  • Access Fob – $20: One-off purchase or replacement fee.

Free Trial Period

Early morning pool access is proposed to initially operate on a free trial basis.

The fees listed above are currently subject to Council's formal adoption process. Registered participants will be advised before paid access commences.

No retrospective access fees will apply for participation during the free trial period.

Conditions of Access

For the safety and enjoyment of all participants, the following conditions apply:

  • Minimum Age: Participants must be aged 15 years or older.
  • Participants Aged 15–17: Must be accompanied by a registered adult aged 18 years or older.
  • Buddy System: Swimming alone is strictly prohibited. All swimmers must attend with at least one other registered and inducted participant.
  • Registration and Induction: All participants must complete the required registration, safety waiver and induction before accessing the pool.
  • Electronic Access Fobs: Access fobs are issued to approved participants and must not be shared or transferred to another person.
  • Unsupervised Swimming: No lifeguard or pool attendant will be on duty during early morning access.
  • Daylight Restrictions: Swimming is permitted during daylight hours only. Entry into the water before daylight is strictly prohibited.
  • Pool Rules: All participants must comply with Council's pool rules, safety procedures and conditions of access.
  • Emergency Procedures: Participants must familiarise themselves with the location of emergency equipment and the pool's emergency procedures during their induction. In an emergency, call 000.
  • Weather Conditions: Swimming must not occur during thunderstorms, lightning or other unsafe weather conditions.

Temporary Closures and Access Restrictions

Council reserves the right to temporarily suspend or restrict early morning access due to:

  • Scheduled school carnivals or swimming club activities.
  • Pool maintenance or cleaning.
  • Water quality concerns.
  • Severe weather or unsafe swimming conditions.
  • Other operational or safety requirements.

Participants must comply with all closure notices and directions issued by Council.

How to Register

Interested in enjoying an early morning swim? Getting started is easy!

Step 1 – Complete Your Registration

Click the registration link below to complete the online Early Morning Pool Access Agreement and Induction form.

https://au.openforms.com/Form/9a5dd7e3-9592-4913-82c8-c922bee32583

Step 2 – Registration Review and Safety Induction

Council will review your registration and contact you regarding any outstanding requirements, including completion of the required safety induction and waiver.

Step 3 – Collect Your Access Fob

Once your registration has been approved and all induction requirements have been completed, you will receive information from Council that you are able to collect your fob from the front counter at the Bingara office.

Step 4 – Enjoy Your Early Morning Swim

Once approved, you can access the pool during the designated early morning access hours, provided you comply with all safety requirements and attend with a registered swimming buddy.

For further information or assistance with registration, please contact Gwydir Shire Council on 02 6724 2000.

Click here to view form.

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