Aquatic Centre gets sun smart with new shade sails

By ALISON BROWN in Rotorua
New shade sails have been erected at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre to provide vital protection for pool users just in time for summer.

The sails, worth a little under $14,000, have been paid for by the Rotorua District Council and have gone up to protect people using the outdoor spa pools.

Another $15,000 has been set aside for more shade protection next year, with centre staff surveying pool users over summer to find out how they think the money should be spent.

There are two gazebos to protect families hosting pool parties at the centre, as well as umbrellas and other fixed sails.

"Responses from the surveys will determine what sort of shading our users want and just help us see what their needs are," said centre manager Louis Sylvester.

Last year the centre formed a partnership with the Cancer Society's Rotorua branch to help promote messages about the need to stay safe in the sun.

"Sunsmart stations" were set up next to the main outdoor pool, offering young people free sunscreen and information.

The society's community liaison co-ordinator, Margaret Robertson, said similar initiatives were planned this summer. Family changing rooms would be used to display sunsmart messages and plans were underway to install a UV (ultra-violet) index monitor at the centre, to educate people about the hazards of sun exposure.

The internationally recognised UV index replaced burn times as a measure of the sun's intensity last year. The monitor adjusts itself according to the weather conditions and the higher the number, the greater chance of getting sunburned. When UV levels reach the very high band, measuring eight to 10, it's recommended people seek shade, especially between 11am and 4pm, when the sun's rays are most intense.