Aquatic centre's inclusion and activity is built on peace and quiet

aquatic area at Clayton Aquatics and Health Club

For most of us, a visit to the local pool can be a joyous way to spend an hour or two.

But for many, that same enjoyable dip can be an assault on the senses. The loud splashes and squeals of water play, the thunder of the water features, even the glare of the sun across the pool surface can be challenging – often too challenging – and a deterrent to enjoying all the benefits a visit to an aquatic centre has to offer.

But, as part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring it is continuously developing and creating opportunities for everyone in Monash to be able to access and enjoy its recreation facilities, Active Monash is delighted to introduce Low Sensory Quiet Sessions at the Clayton Aquatics and Health Club.

In partnership with Link Health and Community and the Latrobe Community Health Service, and based on consultation with the Monash community, the sessions will launch for a nine-week trial period between 1 July and 30 August.

The Low Sensory Quiet Sessions are designed to reduce anxiety and stress for patrons who are looking for a less stimulating environment. The sessions will take the form of a designated period of time where the Clayton aquatics area will be modified to address the barriers that might prevent people with sensory needs from participating in aquatic activities.

Some 1 in 5 Australians live with a disability and, of those, 90 per cent have a hidden or ‘invisible’ disability, including autism, intellectual disabilities or cognitive impairments. This can include sensory sensitivities that prevent people from engaging with the community in public settings where sensory input is overwhelming.

“For some, it becomes make or break,” Alley Dyson, Active Monash Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, said. “Do I want to go to the pool with all that noise assaulting me?”

Public awareness of sensory issues has increased in recent years, and the idea of low sensory sessions or quiet hours have been adopted by many organisations, including supermarkets, libraries, museums, and other aquatic or recreation centres.

While the Clayton sessions will be focused on the aquatics space, the changerooms and reception area will also be part of the quiet and accommodating environment. Sessions will run for 60-90 minutes to allow patrons time to fully access and enjoy the facilities.

Low sensory environments are nothing new to Active Monash, with the successful development of a small group, all-abilities exercise program in a low-sensory studio at the Oakleigh Recreation Centre.

Gym workouts are conducted with reduced noise and lighting, and fewer visual distractions - like mirrors - which makes for a more comfortable exercise experience.

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION HELPS SHAPE A PLAN

Community consultation took place during the first half of 2025, and involved Active Monash patrons, the Monash community and the Latrobe Community Health Services network of special development schools and community groups.

This consultation proved to be extremely valuable in helping shape the low sensory sessions.

“They (respondents) knew people who’d benefit from it (quiet sessions) and weren’t coming into the centre because of (sensory issues),” Alley said. “The other good thing is that it’s opened a conversation. People are aware of it; people are being open to it. They’re saying, ‘it’s not just for someone with a disability, it benefits everyone’.”

Most importantly, the consultation revealed a number of hurdles that were challenging patrons, or potential patrons.

“Water features are a big one - the tipping bucket (and) the jets that shoot water out over the pool,” Alley said. “Out in reception, we can even hear the hand driers (in the changerooms). (Public) announcements was another big one. ‘Someone’s lights are on in the car park’, ‘a phone has been handed in at reception’. That kind of thing. And, we hadn’t thought of the lifeguards’ personal radios.”

You can also throw-in music through the loudspeakers and the excited squeals of a toddlers learn-to-swim class.

“All of that, combined, can be overwhelming,” Alley said. “So many things that, because we (staff) are so used to them, we’ve become desensitized to.”

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT DURING A LOW SENSORY QUIET SESSION?

• No music

• Public announcements avoided

• Water features turned off

• Blinds lowered to reduce glare in the pool area (depending on visibility)

• Staff radio and phone volume lowered

• No scheduled aquatic or fitness classes

• No scheduled learn to swim lessons

• Hair and hand dryers avoided

FIND OUT MORE

Clayton Low Sensory Quiet Sessions

Where: Clayton Aquatics and Health Club (9/15 Cooke St, Clayton)