Mother of star swimmer petitions over condition of Emerald pool

The secretary of a Central Qld swim club has started a petition over the quality of the water at her local pool.

Larissa's daughter received skin irritation after swimming in the Emerald Aquatic Centre on several occasions. Supplied: Larissa Watson

A Central Queensland mother of a champion swimmer forced to travel 800km for her daughter’s training, is using people power to address what she believes are problems with the local poll.

The swim club secretary at Emerald, Larissa Watson, started a petition which received more than 560 signatures urging council “to ensure transparency in their operations and a commitment to restoring the quality the aquatic centre is known for”.

She claims her daughter has suffered chlorine burns.

Ms Watson says the state of the Emerald Aquatic Centre remains the same since she gave Central Highlands Regional Council the petition in January.

The contract for the pool was passed onto a new firm in August 2024, and Larissa Watson said it hasn’t been the same ever since.

Ms Watson says her daughter has had “chemical burns on her feet from the chlorine”.

Larissa Watson says her daughter has received skin irritation after swimming in the Emerald Aquatic Centre on several occasions. Supplied: Larissa Watson

“She had a brand new pair of swimmers... and the colour faded because of the chlorine,” Ms Watson said.

“She has to use a steroid cream on her skin every time she goes swimming at the Emerald pool.”

“The pool has been green, and I’ve been going to that pool for 17 years and have never seen it green (until now).”

Ms Watson’s daughter Peyton is a 15-year-old competitive swimmer who was recently part of the local Swim Squad team and competed in the Central Queensland Swimming Championships.

But in order for her to continue chasing her dream, she needs coaching which is no longer provided at Emerald.

“I’m travelling 800km per week to access a coach,” she said.

“It’s physical and emotional exhaustion - not just for myself, but for my daughter.”

Larissa's daughter received skin irritation after swimming in the Emerald Aquatic Centre on several occasions. Supplied: Larissa Watson

Despite making the 150km round trip from Emerald to Blackwater five times each week, Larissa has been impressed with the quality of service in Blackwater.

“We’ve been travelling to Blackwater for nearly eight weeks, and they have been absolutely phenomenal over there.”

The secretary of a swim club in Emerald has spoken up and started a petition after seeing the quality of her local pool deteriorating. Supplied: Larissa Watson

“(Peyton) has also taken it upon herself to become a swim teacher, she did that training two weeks ago under the guidance of the Blackwater coach.”

As a secretary of the swim club, Larissa is committed to seeing the Emerald Aquatic Centre restored to its former glory.

“I’m not causing this issue just because I’m a swim club mum, it’s more of a personal thing for me because I’ve had to go over and above to make sure my daughter gets what she needs,” she said.

The firm has been contacted for comment regarding the Emerald Aquatic Centre.

In a statement provided to Central Highlands Regional Council last year, LSA Group CEO Stan Wall said they would provide ‘safe’ swimming venues.
“Aquatics, sport and recreation in general is a way of life for every Australian, and I believe that everyone should have access to safe and compliant venues regardless of their ability, or background,” he said.

Central Highlands Regional Council CEO Aaron Johansson said he was aware of the reports of chemical burns.

Central Highlands Regional Council CEO Aaron Johansson.

“Council is aware of concerns regarding the Emerald Aquatic Centre and did receive a report of a swimmer being irritated by chemicals in the pool,” he said.

“This was reported some weeks ago and council investigated at the time.

“It was found that there was no correlation between the report and the pool water quality.”

“The pool water at the Emerald Aquatic Centre is regularly tested by external contractors, the State Government, and council.

Mr Johansson also said it was “difficult” to confirm whether the skin irritation was a result of bad water quality.

“All tests confirm the water meets required safety standards,” he said.

“There have only been two written reported instances of skin irritation provided to council since the current pool operators commenced their contract and given the numbers of attendees at the weekly, it is difficult to attribute these isolated cases to water quality issues.

“Council did respond proactively and work with the pool operators to resolve the matter at the time, and there have been no further incidents reported.”

Originally published as Mother of star swimmer petitions over condition of Emerald pool