Sydney boasts the world’s highest concentration of ocean pools, making the city an idyllic swimming spot for residents. But these popular rock pools can pose some hazards. On Sunday, six swimmers at one of Sydney’s northern rock pools were poisoned by chemicals added to the water to control algae and weed growth; Chris Dewberry of NSW Ambulance Service noted they experienced symptoms including itchy eyes and throats that required hospitalization due to chlorine/non-chlorine weedkiller mixture that caused “a very bad reaction in some swimmers”. Dewberry noted this occurred due to mixing chlorine/nonchlorine weedkiller mixture which caused “a very bad reaction in some swimmers”.
This pool sits at the end of a promenade linking Manly and Shelly beaches on Australia’s Northern Beaches, and has been enclosed ever since its establishment in 1929. One of many rock pools built along shorelines by local residents to offer safer alternatives for swimming in surf conditions; they provide great family daytrip spots too!
A big pool, with ample lapping space and lush grassy greenery reminiscent of public parks. Large yellow umbrellas decorate its outskirts while its sparkling new white tiles shine like new on an otherwise sunny Sunday afternoon. At 2 metres at its deepest point, this pool seems ample enough for swimmers who crowded its shores on this particular Sunday afternoon.
Marie-Louise McDermott, an expert on ocean pools in Sydney, states: “Sydney stands alone when it comes to its large concentration of ocean pools in one city,” adding: “Other parts of Australia may have some rock pools here or there but not nearly so many in such a concentrated area.” Furthermore, most have changed little since being built decades earlier.
One city official is working hard to change that. Clover Moore, the lord mayor of Sydney, has plans to transform part of Sydney Harbor into public pool and lounge areas. Her office commissioned Australian architect Andrew Burges to produce plans depicting what such an initiative could look like.
Moore’s proposal aims to get more people swimming, helping combat climate change. She makes clear that she does not propose the project for tourism purposes – rather to encourage more locals to swim at home.
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