Concerns about proposed increases in pool charges and how they might affect a swim safety programme were on the agenda at the Vincent and Cromwell community boards this week.
The boards met on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss written submissions to the long-term plan from residents and community groups.
A proposal to increase entry fees at Molyneux Aquatic Centre and Cromwell Swim Centre concerned many.
Sport Otago, the regional arm of Sport Central, said it supported the price rise but was concerned about the potential impact it would have on its Central Lakes Swim Safe Programme.
The swim safety programme was a partnership between the Central Lakes Trust, schools, and council and was designed to reduce the risk of children drowning in Central Otago.
It said the increase would push the charge to participate in the programme, from $1.25 to $1.50, and asked if the council would continue to subsidise the programme to match the increase.
WellSouth Primary Health Network also supported the increased admission costs to the pools but ''recommends that the price increase not apply to those holding community service cards''.
They also asked both boards to consider following ''Nelson City Council's pioneering example and introduce a sugar-sweetened beverage policy'' to tackle obesity in the region.
That part of their submission was not discussed.
Resident Blair Deaker said charges should not go up as the pool was ''an underutilised service and charging more for it will only increase this problem''.
Both boards resolved admission fees for Gold Card and Community Services Card users, as well as tertiary students, would also rise from $4 to $5.
They both agreed the price rise would not affect the swimming programme because the $1.25 covers the cost of the teacher and does not charge entry and lane hire costs.
Vincent member Barry Hambleton said the board should focus on the fact it was the first price increase in seven years.
Casual admission prices to the pools are proposed to increase in July from $2 to $3 for children, and $4.50 to $6 for adults, and shower charges were also going to match pool admission.
Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper said the increases were necessary to help offset the huge subsidy of the pool by the ratepayer.
