Splash Aquatic Centre in Craigieburn closed early after rowdy incident
A pack of rowdy swimmers has shut down a Craigieburn aquatic centre and forced staff to call police for backup. And now up to 80 patrons could face consequences from a police and council investigation.
North West
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A pack of rowdy swimmers has shut down a Craigieburn aquatic centre and forced staff to call police for backup.
Splash Aquatic and Leisure Centre was closed just before 9pm on Thursday – about an hour early – after up to 80 patrons started causing “significant disruption”.
Classes and lessons were brought to an abrupt halt after centre management acted swiftly to protect employees and other guests.
Hume Council, the owner of the centre, confirmed the incident and that the centre was forced to close early due to “unruly behaviour from a group of patrons”.
One patron – Lana Howden – posted on Facebook that she saw and heard a large fight in the pool area.
“When the police were coming with their sirens you could just see this huge wave of teenage kids running away from the venue,” she said.
“There were four to five police cars out the front.”
Ms Howden said at one point she was locked in the centre and staff wouldn’t let anyone in or out of the venue until the police arrived.
“(We) started our class only to have one staff member come in 10 min(ute)s later to tell us we needed to evacuate,” she said.
Craigieburn Acting Senior Sergeant Brian Russell said there were allegations of a fight but one wasn’t seen by police.
“Management appeared to have asked a group of people to leave and they weren’t leaving so police attended in numbers,” he said.
Sen-Sgt Russell said no arrests had been made but police were still investigating with Splash management to determine if any offences were committed.
In a statement, Hume Mayor Carly Moore said about 80 patrons were involved in the incident.
“The behaviour of some people, which was actually a small group when you consider how many people are usually there on a hot day, was completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” she said.
“Our staff acted promptly to ensure patron safety and wellbeing – they did make the decision to close the centre.
“While we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience to our community, we are also grateful that no one was seriously physically injured.
“Victoria Police attended and centre staff will now work with police to ensure the incident is investigated.”
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Cr Moore said Splash was a centre that promoted family values.
“Our staff and members treat each other with respect and most patrons are there to focus on their health and fitness,” she said.
“Ultimately, my message today is simple – Splash is a community centre for people of all ages to enjoy safely.
“We will not put up with any disrespectful behaviour.”
The centre reopened as normal on Friday morning.
The council did not say whether patrons could be banned from the centre.