When Norlane’s Waterworld will close

Thousands of children have learned to swim at Norlane’s Waterworld. Now, it is about to close for good.

WaterWorld in Norlane is closing down, but it’s legacy will remain Julie Makin with granddaughter’s Maggie, 5, and Sophie, 2. Picture: Brad Fleet

Like many growing up in Geelong’s northern suburbs, Julie Makin’s life wouldn’t have been the same without Waterworld.

The pool, opened in 1965 as Norlane Pool, was an institution with thousands passing through its doors every year.

On June 18, the centre will close for the final time as ageing facility shuts to allow for continuing construction of the $65.6m Northern Aquatic and Community Hub on the same site.

Mrs Makin’s connection to Waterworld runs deeper than most.

Her father, Herb Jeffery, was there “right from the start” as the pool’s inaugural manager and swim coach.

“Dad was the manager of Lara pool, which was the first Geelong pool. He was there for a couple of years, and when Norlane was opening they moved him across,” Mrs Makin said.

“He was the first manager of both those pools.”

But, with a shire-wide push to improve the community’s fitness, Mr Jeffery quickly became more than just a pool manager.

Herb Jeffery coaching at Waterworld.

“Dad’s job was to get as many people into the pool as possible; he was also a swimming teacher and coach,” she said.

“He had a big squad; he taught Olympians over the years. He’s taught a lot of people and a lot of people my age, probably from about 40 on, say, ‘oh your dad taught me to swim’.”

Among his tireless work to encourage physical activity, Mr Jeffery ran holiday programs for schools and coached the North Shore Football Club senior team to premierships.

When the facility was expanded in the 1980s, Mr Jeffery continued to play a big role.

“Dad had a significant role in designing the first domed cover of the Norlane Pool, and extension to include gym and therapeutic services, so that it could be used by the community all year round,” Mrs Makin said.

Brian and Julie Makin with granddaughters Maggie, 5, and Sophie, 2. Picture: Brad Fleet

At the time, Geelong’s northern suburbs growing as many young families moved to the area for work.

“All of that housing around the sporting precinct was developed to bring in a lot of workers to work in the factories that were around that north Geelong area,” she said.

Mrs Makin’s husband, Brian, was one such kid.

“He lived basically over the back fence of the pool and he was taught to swim by dad. He also joined the swimming squad, and we met that way,” she said.

The couple, now living in Jan Juc, have been married for 42 years, and have two kids and two grandchildren, with swimming remaining a big focus.

“It’s really important that they’ve all learnt to swim and have that love of the water but also stay safe,” she said.

Mr Jeffery would continue to work at Waterworld until his retirement in 1990, but would remain a part of its legacy when Waterworld’s famous slides were named after him.

The City of Greater Geelong will hold a community event on June 17 to farewell the pool.

The event will feature free entry all day and family friendly activities, music and food between midday and 3pm.

Attendees will also have the chance to see photos of Waterworld history and secure an early bird membership discount for the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub before it opens in 2024.

Originally published as When Norlane’s Waterworld will close