RACE trip victim lashes out

By Bridget Brady
A CRANBOURNE man says Casey RACE should have been closed the entire time resurfacing works were being undertaken to prevent people slipping in the meantime.
David Loch, 35, fell over at the $37.9 million aquatic and leisure centre last week with his two-year-old son in his arms.
The father of two grazed his knees, toes, arm and had a sore shoulder as a result of the fall. His son had a small graze after the fall.
Builders carried out resurfacing works after reports of slipping since the centre opened in June.
Mr Loch said the centre should be closed before something more serious happened to someone who fell.
“I think they should close down the centre and do the whole lot in one go,” he said.
“What if a pregnant lady walking falls and loses the baby…they are in big trouble.”
“Why can’t they fix it properly instead of doing this little makeover?”
Areas of the centre have been cordoned off and mats have been laid out while resurfacing works took place.
“I understand they are going to lose a lot of money but they might lose more if someone does themselves a big injury.”
Mr Loch said he had spoken to many people who had fallen or knew people who slipped at the centre.
Casey Council infrastructure services director Ray Butler said on Tuesday that all aquatic centres had reports of slips and falls – regardless of the surface – due to many factors.
He said that resurfacing works were expected to be finished sometime early in the New Year.
Works completed to date include the ramp over the leisure pool, splash park, the north and east sides of the 50-metre pool and spa area.