SCHOOL POOLS DEFENDED

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27500, 6 November 1954, Page 8

SCHOOL POOLS DEFENDED

“DIRTY DUCKPONDS*: CHARGE EDUCATION BOARD REPORTS "The Press" Special Service -'g AUCKLAND, November 5. Learner swimming pools at schools ; were defended in reports to the AuJk- / land education Board from Dr. C. Anderson, deputy-medical officer ot health, and Mr K. C. Reid, senior organiser of physical education. The board had called for reports after a I member described the pools as “dirty I duckponds.” ! The board will, however, ask for « I bigger Government subsidy to cow j increased construction costs. The pre- I sent maximum is £3OO and top I schools have appealed for a higher I grant. ■ Dr. Anderson said that the poob I were “doing a great job” in teaching I children how to swim without tea? J of drowning. If all headmasters took I an active interest and closely super- I vised the management of the baths the | chances of children contracting I diseases from the pools would be j negligible. I "The general impression I obtained, i I was that the pools were being run as I efficiently and hygienically as could be expected,” said Dr. Anderson. The ‘MI and draw’ system used, though not I ideal, serves the purpose admirably and if the amount of chlorine in me j water is kept under careful ."upervisioa l I cannot see any great danger "More diseases are contracted ofip . ] side the pools 'by the use of improperly sterilised suits and towels j from overcrowding the bath, from fie 1 floors of the bath surround and dresalag , j booths. The headmasters I visited hw . a careful watch on chlorine contest j and saw that the children were care- 1 fully screened for skin diseases before I they were allowed to enter the pool.'' .1 Mr Reid defended the limitaOßß of the pools on the grouadEaUE3 shallow' water and a narrow wMUr J were essential to ensure confidence in the early stages of learning to svA He added that ih many areas it would be impracticable under summer additions to expect an adequate supply of water for larger pools.