Tidal pools

Council maintains four tidal pools along the coastline.

The Continental (or Olympic) Pool Kiama

The pool is situated at the north end of Black Beach Reserve. Parking is available in Shoalhaven Street opposite the Public School site. The pool is 50 metres in length with facilities for access by disabled persons. There are no amenities on site.

Blowhole Point Rock Pool Kiama

The pool is situated on the north side of Blowhole Point with access from the harbour road. There is ample parking and there are amenities and change rooms on site. The pool is irregular in shape with variable depth and natural rock floor. A shallow wading area suitable for very young children is also available.

Ourie (Werri) Pool Gerringong

This is an irregular-shaped pool constructed in the rock shelf at the south end of Werri Beach with access via Pacific Avenue or Geering Street. There is ample parking and there are change rooms and amenities on site. The pool has a smooth, sloping concrete floor and nearby is a separate concrete-formed children's wading pool. The pool and surrounding shelf are subject to natural wave action during high tides.

Boat Harbour Pool (Gerringong)

Located around the headland north of Boat Harbour, access is via a walkway approximately 50 metres in length commencing at the Boat Harbour Reserve. There is ample parking available at Boat Harbour where amenities are also located. The floor is natural rock with a sandy beach at the shallow end.

Cleaning of Pools

All pools are inspected regularly for cleanliness and hazards. In summer, the pools are drained and cleaned frequently. During cleaning, algae growth on the wall and floors is killed through the use of a mild chlorine solution. Seaweed build-up is also removed if present. Cleaning can only occur when the tide is predicted to be low during daytime work hours and when this occurs, warning signs are placed around the pool and on access pathways. The pools are normally filled through natural wave tidal action.

Warnings

Being tidal pools open to the ocean, they are subject to the same hazards and marine creatures that are common to natural rock shelves with the result that wave action may introduce marine stingers and other creatures into the pool. During periods of high seas large waves may enter the pools making them unsafe for swimming. Any damage to the pool surrounds or requests for information should be referred to Council's Engineering & Works department.