Council to consider the future of swimming lessons at Wai o Rua

Stratford District Council (SDC) has received notice from the Flyers Swim School that from Term 3 they will no longer operate their swim school service at Wai o Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre. This has left SDC with a few weeks to consider the future of swimming lessons in the district.

The notice was received on 12 May 2023, in the middle on the feedback period for Council’s draft Annual Plan 2023/24. This will change the course of discussions surrounding the pool when elected members meet on 13 June 2023 to consider feedback received prior to adoption of the plan.

We acknowledge the huge gap this leaves locally for parents and tamariki who are part of the learn to swim community.

“Flyers Swim School has been servicing our community and the surrounding districts for a number of years,” says Mayor Volzke. “It’s been a tremendously popular and successful learn to swim environment for families.”

We understand this news will be concerning for our community and we have been busy investigating what will be possible post the Term 2 school holidays.

Mayor Volzke says Council recognises the importance of accessible swimming lessons in Stratford. “We’ll be reviewing all possible options at our meeting on 13 June and will endeavour to settle on a solution that will see swimming lessons continue at Wai o Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre,” he says.

The Flyers Swim School decision to discontinue lessons at Wai o Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre does not impact the Stratford Flyers Swimming Club competitive and non-competitive squads. While both are operating under the Flyers brand, the swim school and the swim club are separate entities. Flyers Swim Club will continue to call Wai o Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre home for squad training and competitions.

More details will be available after SDC’s Ordinary Meeting on 13 June 2023. You can view the agenda for this meeting here.