Pools have been opened at schools in Pipalyatjara, Amata and Yalata on the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, with a pool at Pukatja (Ernabella) opened on Saturday 11 January.

Work is also underway to fix a plumbing issue at the Mimili pool so it can be re-opened for community use.

Swimming pools are a valuable community asset, particularly in areas where there are few formal recreational facilities and temperatures in summer regularly over 40 degrees.

Funding is provided by the Attorney-General's Department - Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation to manage pools in Anangu communities, but some pools have been closed due to maintenance issues and challenges recruiting appropriately trained people to SA's most remote towns.

This prompted the undertaking of a targeted campaign to recruit and appoint suitable pool managers with appropriate operator and lifeguard qualifications.

Students at Kaltjiti (Fregon), Indulkana and Kenmore Park will be able to travel to Mimili to use the swimming pool facilities, while students at Murputja travel to Pipalyatjara.

As well as providing every pool with new rescue and safety equipment, the Education Department’s water safety program, which has been delivered to students on the APY Lands in partnership with Surf Life Saving SA for more than20 years, has also been provided at Mimili and Amata.

Infrastructure works such as fencing, have also been installed to ensure safety.