Lap lane etiquette
- Select a lane based on your ability and strokes you intend to swim (for safety reasons, some lanes indicate breaststroke is not permitted)
- Slow: laps slower than 60 seconds
- Medium: approximate lap speed between 40-60 seconds
- Fast: laps faster than 40 seconds
- While swimming, keep to the left of the lane
- Pass a swimmer in front, by swimming past on the right
- Check both directions when moving across lanes
- When waiting at the end of the pool, keep clear of other swimmers and stay in the corners of the lane
Lap lane availability timetables
Pool lane availability at our centres varies based on pool bookings and programs. Please check the lap lane availability information below for the centre you wish to attend.
These links show lane availability only, no booking options are available through these links.
Please check the link below to see lane availability for our 50m pool.
A walking and recreation area is always available in the program pool, except for Saturday and Sunday mornings between 8am and 1pm when a dedicated walking and recreation area is available in the 50m pool.
Please call 02 9392 5400 or email akac.enquiries@innerwest.nsw.gov.au should you have any queries regarding pool lane availability.
Please check the links below to see lane availability for our 25m indoor pool and 50m pool.
Please note: The Program Pool Availability button shown on the linked pages does not display correct information for this pool. Please disregard this section when checking lane availability, lane availability information is only available for the 50m pool and the indoor 25m pool.
Walking and recreation areas are available in both the 25m and 50m pools from open to close. While aqua classes are running, the walking and recreation area is moved to the program area of the pool.
Please call 02 9392 5400 or email aac.enquiries@innerwest.nsw.gov.au should you have any queries regarding pool lane availability.
Please check the links below to see lane availability for our 50m and indoor program pools.
A walking and recreation area is available in the hydro pool Monday to Sunday from 6am to 8pm.
Please call 02 9392 5400 or email lpac.enquiries@innerwest.nsw.gov.au should you have any queries regarding pool lane availability.
Dawn Fraser Baths 50m pool area may be unavailable at times due to bookings, including training and games by Balmain Water Polo. Please check the link below to see lane availability for our 50m pool.
The beach area and surrounding space outside of the 50m pool is available for public swimming at all times.
Please call 02 9392 5400 or email dfb@innerwest.nsw.gov.au or if you have any queries regarding pool availability.
Water Quality Monitoring
Dawn Fraser Baths is a harbour pool located in Sydney Harbour, a natural water environment that is generally in good condition. The harbour water is however subject to variable conditions due to external impacts and weather patterns. Inner West Council and other Councils are guided by the NSW government through Sydney Harbour Beach Watch daily bulletin which is updated daily at 6am using a traffic light-based model:
- Green: During favourable conditions, the daily bulletin will show a ‘green’ status indicating the water is suitable for swimming.
- Amber: Indicates water quality may be affected, and pollution may be present – swimmers are advised when the status is ‘amber’ to swim using their own judgement.
- Red: The harbour water is not suitable for swimming. The Baths will not open when the ‘red’ status is advised.
In addition, in the unlikely event of local issues affecting the water quality at the Dawn Fraser Baths, the site is visually inspected daily by staff for any impacts that may have occurred and follow stringent pre-opening checks based on all the information available each day.
Swimmers are encouraged to check the Beach Watch site for the most up-to date readings following rainfall or can contact our team on 9392 5400 for further information. Any interruptions to general opening hours will be shown on our website.
Closure notices due to water quality are published on our website, however calling Dawn Fraser Baths before you arrive is the quickest way to check closures, as updates appear on our phone system first.
Inner West Council will continue to work with the NSW Government Sydney Harbour Beach Watch daily bulletin to ensure this program is delivering a comprehensive and reliable service to the community.
Pool lane availability varies based on pool bookings and programs. Please check the link below to see lane availability for our 25m pool. This link shows lane availability ONLY, no booking options are available through this link.
Please call 02 9392 5400 or email fdac@innerwest.nsw.gov.au should you have any queries regarding pool lane availability.
Swim clubs
Swim at Ashfield Aquatic Centre
Ashfield Aquatic Centre is proudly home to the Ashfield Amateur Swim Club, who train at our centre from 7am to 9am on Saturdays during the summer season. Ashfield Amateur Swim Club is a family-friendly club for all swimming levels and ages. If you are interested in joining them, please contact the swim club directly:
ashfieldswim@gmail.com
Ashfield Amateur Swim Club website
Ashfield Amateur Swim Club on Facebook
Swim at Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre
Leichhardt Swim Club was formed in 1962 shortly after the pool was first opened and has operated continually since then. It provides an opportunity for swimmers of all ages and ability levels to participate in swimming events for fun, fitness or competition.
LSC provides for all swimming levels from 4 years and over, with races ranging from 20 to 800 metres. The club is also affiliated with Masters Swimming Australia and caters for swimmers 18 and older interested in swimming in masters meets.
Club races are held on Saturdays from 7.30am to 10am from early October through to March at Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre. If you are interested in joining them, please contact the swim club directly:
leichhardtswimmingclub@gmail.com
Leichhardt Swim Club website
Balmain Amateur Swimming Club (BASC) was established in 1884. BASC is the oldest Swimming Club in Australia, and still uses the same baths, the Dawn Fraser Baths. They meet every Sunday Morning at 8am, from November through to April and have events for juniors right through to 'Golden Oldies'. If you are interested in joining them, please contact the swim club directly:
admin@balmainswimclub.org.au
Balmain Amateur Swimming Club website