Public Outdoor Swimming Pools Will Be Allowed to Reopen Across NSW From September 27

First, New South Wales celebrated picnic day. Now, pool day is coming. With the weather heating up and NSW's vaccination rates increasing as well, Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced that outdoor pools across the state will be able to open again from 12.01am on Monday, September 27.

So, if your usual spring routine involves taking a dip, doing a few laps or just otherwise enjoying your closest pool, that'll finally be back on the cards in just over a week. Natural pools are already allowed to open, but this change applies to all of NSW's other outdoor pools, which'll be permitted to get splashing again — and yes, in all parts of the state.

The councils behind each outdoor pool will need to have a stringent COVID-19 safety plan in place, however, and those plans will need to have been approved by NSW Health. But, as long as that is the case, outdoor pools across the state can start welcoming in swimmers again before the end of the month.

If you're wondering how that'll apply to your local outdoor pool, you'll want to keep an eye on their website over the next week or so regarding reopening dates, hours and rules.

Revealing the news at NSW's COVID-19 press conference today, Sunday, September 19 — alongside the announcement that Sydney's LGAs of concern will revert to the same rules in place across the rest of the city from Monday, September 20 —  the Premier said the change comes after positive developments, including the state's vaccination rates hitting 81.9 percent first doses and 51.9 percent second doses based on NSW residents over the age of 16.

"As a result of these positive signs, the New South Wales Government is pleased to announce that from next Monday, all public
pools will be open in a COVID-safe way," said Berejiklian. "And those COVID-safe plans will be formalised and made public, making sure that we keep community safe as much as possible and prevent seeding, and that all of us appreciate the importance of enjoying the warmer weather and the positive mental health and recreation and exercise."

Yes, if you're thinking ahead to NSW's next public holiday, Labour Day, on Monday, October 4, this does now mean that going for a swim in a public outdoor pool can be on your agenda — alongside picnicking with up to four other pals if you're all fully vaxxed, of course.

New South Wales' public outdoor pools are allowed to reopen from 12.01am on Monday, September 27. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.