Throughout 2010 and 2011, the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, suffered a series of devastating earthquakes that caused serious damage to the city. This study examines the effect these earthquakes have had on the sport of swimming in Christchurch. It specifically focuses on three different aspects of the swimming industry: indoor competitive swimming, open water swimming and learning to swim. It reports on the industry prior to the earthquakes before examining the developments subsequent to the shakes. The effects on both facilities and participation numbers were examined. Results showed that many indoor swimming facilities were lost which had significant flow-on effects. In addition, many beaches were out of bounds and almost half of the schools in Canterbury lost the use of their own swimming pools. In terms of participation numbers, results showed that while there was a decrease in the number of indoor competitive swimmers, Canterbury clubs were still highly competitive and their rankings at events either remained similar or bettered during and after the period of the earthquakes. On the other hand, an increase in the number of participants was seen in swimming lessons as temporary pools were constructed and subsidies were offered to cover transport and lesson costs. Open water swimming, however, seems to have been relatively unaffected by the earthquakes.This report was made possible through Lincoln University’s Summer Scholarship programme. The authors would also like to acknowledge those anonymous interviewees who provided some valuable insight into the swimming industry in Christchurch.
A photograph of a damaged swimming pool. The photograph is captioned by Paul Corliss, "Glenelg Spur".
A photograph of a damaged swimming pool. The photograph is captioned by Paul Corliss, "Glenelg Spur".
A photograph of a damaged swimming pool. The photograph is captioned by Paul Corliss, "Glenelg Spur".
A photograph of a damaged swimming pool. The photograph is captioned by Paul Corliss, "Glenelg Spur".
A graphic showing the design of a proposed swimming pool for New Brighton.
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 30 December 2012 entitled, "Swimming at Sumner".
A digitally manipulated image of the high diving boards at QEII swimming pool. Rubble has fallen on the boards during the demolition of the complex. The photographer comments, "The diving board at the QEII stadium swimming pool during its demolition after being damaged in the Christchurch earthquake in February 2011".
Canada geese swimming in the Avon River in Avonside.
The top of the water slides in the QEII swimming pool, exposed by its demolition. The slides themselves have been broken off, leaving only the entry points. The photographer comments, "After assessment of the damage caused by the numerous earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand they decided to demolish the QEII stadium and it's swimming pool".
A map showing the swimming water quality at Christchurch beaches.
A digitally manipulated image of a daffodil placed on the gates of QEII Stadium. The photographer comments, "Someone placed a daffodil on the gates to the QEII Stadium in Christchurch. The stadium is being razed to the ground after being very badly damaged in the Christchurch earthquakes. Besides being a Commonwealth Games stadium it was also housed one of the best swimming pools in the region".
Corrogated roofing from the demolition of the QEII complex. The photographer comments, "This collection of galvanised roofing looks so photogenic as I walked around the partly demolished Queen Elizabeth stadium and swimming pool".
Ducks still swimming in the Avon River, where most of the surrounding land is badly damaged.
A digitally manipulated image of the high diving boards at QEII swimming pool. Rubble has fallen on the boards during the demolition of the complex. A sign reads "Poseidon Extreme". The photographer comments, "I do not know what Poseidon Extreme at this swimming pool looked like before the earthquake damaged it, but it looks really radical now during it's demolition. A strange coincidence is that Poseidon is referred to as 'Earth-Shaker' due to his role in causing earthquakes. So the demolition of this pool due to the series of quakes in Christchurch all seems to be foretold by the gods and that sign".
Aerial image of a swimming pool in Christchurch taken by the Royal New Zealand Air Force for the Earthquake Commission.
A photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "The swimming pool has lifted completely out of the ground at 1 Azalea Place, Kaiapoi".
An aerial photograph of Jellie Park.
An aerial photograph of Burnside High School.
Photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "Avonside Drive. The swimming pool is still sitting above ground, where the earthquake lifted it back in September, 2010".
A page banner promoting an article titled, "Pool plan: new crowd puller for New Brighton".
An aerial photograph of the children's play area at the Botanic Gardens.
For nearly forty years, the Municipal Tepid Baths provided the Christchurch public with heated swimming facilities from 1908 – 1947. The site on Manchester Street was formerly occupied by Jam…
The repair of Christchurch's earthquake damaged arts centre has revealed details hidden from view for forty years including a badminton court and the site of an old swimming pool.
An aerial photograph of Central New Brighton School in New Brighton.
A "no swimming" sign on the beach at Sumner. In the background are shipping containers protecting the road from rockfall, and above a damaged house teeters on the edge of a cliff.
A video of an interview with Alison Locke about the Elsie Locke Park in Christchurch which was created to honour her mother. Locke talks about finding out that the park will be replaced, her fears that other heritage sites in Christchurch will be lost, and her belief that her mother would have wanted the Centennial Swimming Pool to be saved. The park will be replaced with The Margaret Mahy Family Playground, which will include a mix of uniquely-designed playground equipment, recreational spaces, community gardens, art pieces, and water features.
Bathing machines are at last to be established at Sumner, and they will supply a want which has long been felt. There is one already at New Brighton in connection with the Hotel, but I should imagi…
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "As a gesture of goodwill following the earthquake the Christchurch City Council's Recreation and Sport Centres are offering free admission to the pools this weekend. Jamie Curd (9) swimming for free at the Centennial Pool".
A video of an interview with Arts Centre CEO Andre Lovatt about the restoration of the Arts Centre after the 22 February 2011 earthquake. The video also includes a tour of the Arts Centre, including the Boys' High School swimming pool and gymnasium which was exposed after another building was demolished.