IHC Idea Services Dunedin service manager Bev Connell said the new hoist in a changing room at the pool, which lifts people from their wheelchair to a changing bed, was great.
"It is going to change people's lives.''
Geoff Pike, of Dunedin, has cerebral palsy, and with the aid of the hoist went for his first swim in the wave pool on Friday.
A pool was the only place he could stand, Ms Connell said.
The smile on Mr Pike's face was ear to ear as he rode the lazy river in the wave pool.
"He's a bit of a daredevil,'' she said.
Idea Services outcome facilitator Eleanor Doig said IHC, Otago Community Trust and Dunedin City Council contributed about $10,000 to buy the hoist, which was officially opened at the pool on Friday.
The 12 people attending the launch included trustee Peter Chin and council recreation planning and facilities manager Jendi Paterson.
The hoist was available to everyone and not just people with disabilities, Ms Doig said.
"It gives people access to a community facility, it's not a special facility in any way, and that is very cool.''
The hoist
• For the use of anyone in the community who needs assistance to get on a changing bed and in to a water wheelchair to access the wave pool.
• Support people must be trained to use the hoist.
• Training is provided free of charge from Community Assessment Rehabilitation Associates.
• Must be booked by calling Moana Pool.
