The Wanaka Community Swimming Pool is extending its hours to cope with demand.
Lakes Leisure's Wanaka facilities team leader, Cam Sheppard, said the after-school swim school numbers had doubled to 175 since the pool reopened on September 25 after a refurbishment.
Demand for swim school means the pool is now also open on Saturday mornings - but only for swim-school attendees.
The pool is also holding an aquatic education programme for schools from November 15 to December 11, which will see the pool closed to the public between 9am and 3pm.
Regular swimmers had suggested the pool hours be extended to 9pm to make up for the daytime closure, Mr Sheppard said.
The extended hours also begin on November 15 and run until December 11.
"The locals are so happy to have the pool back.
"We can understand their concern regarding the public closures, so it was fantastic when they made the suggestion to extend the hours and we could oblige, knowing they will be well used," Mr Sheppard said.
If there was enough demand, a public Saturday morning slot could be made available, he said.
The aquatic education programme is designed to develop children's water skills and water-safety knowledge.
"It's a shame we don't have room to cater for everyone at once, but when it comes down to it, the importance of these kids learning the practical skills which might one day save their life made the decision easier for us.
"And I have to say we love hearing the stories about kids telling their dads to put their life jackets on when they jump in the boat on a Sunday afternoon," he said.
