‘Intimidating’ teens banned from council pools after wild scenes at Geelong’s Kardinia Aquatic Centre
A group of teens has been banned by the council after repeatedly intimidating families, swimmers and staff at public pools, even forcing one to be evacuated.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A group of wild teenagers – whose behaviour drove up to 100 people, including families and children, from a public swimming pool – have been banned from council’s aquatic, sport and leisure centres.
The ban follows public complaints after a pool at the Kardinia Aquatic Centre was reportedly evacuated on Thursday afternoon due to the boys.
Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the council had worked closely with police to ensure the group would not be welcome at centres across the region after repeated episodes of unruly behaviour affecting members of the public and city staff.
“It is extremely disappointing that there has been poor behaviour recently from a small group of young people at our aquatic centres, including at Kardinia pool (last) week,” he said.
“Members of this group will now be denied access to our swim, sport and leisure centres through the council’s patron-exclusion policy after multiple instances of poor behaviour towards City of Greater Geelong employees and the public.”
A police spokeswoman said officers were called to the Kardinia pool in South Geelong last Thursday after reports of the youths causing trouble just before 2pm.
“Officers attended the scene and spoke to six boys from Lara who were cooperative with police,” she said.
“No offences were detected, and they left the scene without incident.”
It is understood the six boys, who appeared to be in their late teens, entered Kardinia pool – some riding scooters – and started to “carry on in the diving pool”, according to one witness.
It is believed lifeguards began to evacuate swimmers from the pool when the group arrived.
A Geelong father-of-two, who wished to remain anonymous, said he and about 100 other parents and children were forced to leave the pool because of the incident.
“The situation was quite intimidating,” he said.
As a regular attendee at Kardinia pool, Mr Kontelj said it was a wonderful place for families and anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated.
“All of the council’s aquatic centres are designed to be safe and inclusive spaces for everybody, including families and children, and we will continue to take action when necessary to ensure they stay that way,” he said.
“Lifeguards and other staff members are employed to keep the public safe, so it is vital that people respect and listen to them at all times.”
Kardinia Aquatic Centre reminded people to “keep it cool and respectful” when using its facilities in a Facebook post on Thursday morning, just hours before the incident allegedly occurred.
“Everyone deserves a safe and enjoyable swimming experience, and that’s why we’re proudly supporting the Keep Your Cool at The Pool campaign by Royal Life Saving Australia,” the post stated.
“Whether you’re swimming laps, enjoying family fun or just relaxing by the pool, remember we’re all here to have a great time!”
More Coverage
Originally published as ‘Intimidating’ teens banned from council pools after wild scenes at Geelong’s Kardinia Aquatic Centre
Man, 87, saves his car by sitting on serial thief
An elderly man has recalled the moment his vehicle accelerated as he grappled with a car thief, telling a court he thought he might die in the terrifying encounter.
Ice-addled driver busted with drugs, stolen car
A Belmont man had ice in his system when he was busted behind the wheel of a stolen car on AFL grand final day, but a court heard there was “no evidence” he stole the car.