By Barb McKay

A campaign is underway to purchase a new ramp for the Davidson Centre pool.

Michelle Goetz, who is heading up the campaign, said that groups who use the swimming pool have reported that the current ramp is awkward to use. There are a number of reasons to replace the ramp, she noted. For one, there are safety issues.

“The lifeguards and I have witnessed people slip and fall using it,” Goetz said in an email to The Independent.

Programming, she added, creates challenges because some groups that use the pool use the ramp while others do not.

Some pool user groups need the ramp to be taken out of the pool while they are using it so that they can use the pool safely,” Goetz said. “For example, the underwater hockey players lose pucks under it and the triathletes have bumped into it during training.”

The current ramp is heavy, she added, which could cause lifeguards to become injured while taking it out of the pool for programs or to be cleaned.

The cost to purchase a new ramp is estimated at $10,000. The committee is hoping to find a local supplier to save a little money. A dodgeball tournament was held in June, which raised $1,600 and the Kincardine Triathlon Club recently donated $500.

On Dec. 1, the committee will hold an indoor soccer tournament at the Davidson Centre to raise additional funds. The committee is seeking volunteers to help run the event and sponsors to help fund the tournament. There are still limited spaces for teams and players who wish to participate.

Goetz said the new ramp would vastly improve the experience for the many people who use the Davidson Centre pool.

“Most people who use the pool, use the ramp, she said, “from parents with babies at swimming lessons to seniors that participate in our aquafit classes. Conversely, we have other user groups that would prefer the ramp not be in the pool during their programming for safety reasons.”

Registration for the indoor soccer tournament is Nov. 1. For more information visit the event’s Facebook page Kincardine Indoor Soccer Invitational or contact Goetz at mgoetz13@hotmail.com or 226-222-0440.