$2 swims return for 2026, but not yet in Kensington

The City of Melbourne’s $2 Pool Splash initiative will return this summer, slashing weekday casual pool entry fees to just $2 across selected city pools in January – but Kensington residents will have to wait a little longer for their local pool to join in.

Councillors voted unanimously on November 11 to reinstate the popular program at Carlton Baths and North Melbourne Pool, after more than 9000 people took advantage of the discounted swims earlier this year.

First introduced in January 2025 as part of a 2024 election pledge by Lord Mayor Nick Reece, the initiative also delivered 400 free intensive learn-to-swim programs for City of Melbourne residents.

At the November 11 meeting, councillors also endorsed 3000 free swimming lessons to be offered across the city in 2026, expanding the program’s reach and helping more people build confidence in the water.

Cr Gladys Liu said she was proud of the program’s success in attracting new swimmers.

“I am especially proud that so many of those participants were learning for the first time,” Cr Liu said.

It really highlights the impact these programs have – making swimming more accessible and building confidence in water safety.

The initiative comes amid growing concern about drowning statistics. According to Life Saving Victoria, 54 people drowned across the state in 2023–24 – 21 from multicultural communities, the highest number ever recorded.

While Carlton and North Melbourne will again host the $2 Pool Splash program, the newly-opened Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre (KCARC) will not yet be included.

A council report stated that more time is needed for the centre – which opened in late September – to establish its operations before introducing the initiative. The YMCA, which manages KCARC, advised council to monitor factors such as capacity, staffing, cleaning, and crowd control throughout the 2025–26 summer.

“We want to ensure that when we roll it out, it’s suitable for the long-term,” Cr Liu said.

“Let’s see how the numbers settle and get a handle on what is best needed there [Kensington],” Lord Mayor Nick Reece added.

Cr Rafael Camillo said programs like Pool Splash and KCARC’s community focus could also help curb youth crime by providing positive, social activities.

“You can take these kids from violence and other things and help them socialise in the area they live,” he said.

The council will reassess KCARC’s inclusion for the 2026–27 summer season, once a full feasibility review is completed. •