Cr Larry Goldsworthy listed a series of concerns with the council and private contractors' running of the shire's five pools when he spoke at last week's meeting.

He said it had been rare for pools to open late or not at all, but it had occurred numerous times this summer.

"The majority of the five pools in the Indigo Shire are more than 40 years old and they and the supporting infrastructure are showing their age," he said.

"Showers that regularly don’t work, peeling paint work, rust, cracks in the concrete with raised sections, tiles falling off and a lining of the Beechworth pool that bubbles like a jumping castle. The proactive maintenance program needs to be urgently addressed."

Cr Goldsworthy introduced the issue as a notice of motion at the council meeting - saying he wanted to be transparent - and asked the chief executive to provide a report on when and why the pools had not opened this summer, how to work with VicSwim to improve the organisation of its program and for an evaluation of using company Momentum One to provide staff.

Only Cr Jenny O'Connor supported the motion, with others voting against Cr Goldsworthy because they said the issue should have been raised behind closed doors.

But the discussion achieved the point of discussing the problems publicly.

Lifeguards working at the pools were also criticised by Cr Goldsworthy.

"They are often left to supervise the pools by themselves," he said.

"Some lifeguards are choosing to undertake their private business, spend time on social media as well as the tasks required throughout their shift that takes them away from watching the pool.

"They are left for extended periods on their feet, in the sun with minimal shade cover in extreme heat conditions, and depending on if there is a second life guard and they're willing to share the load, they have little respite."

He said he was concerned about the number of drownings that occur at public pools and did not want that to happen in Indigo Shire.

“I want the broader community to know that we are concerned about our pools, their upkeep and the safety of our patrons,” Cr Goldsworthy said.

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