Howard Pool - the History

Fraser Coast Libraries has acquired a fascinating book about the Howard Pool.  The Howard Pool started 57 years ago as a dream by a gathering of locals who wanted district children to learn to swim. The book by Burrum Swimming Club member, China Johnson, assures us the pool has done its job as there are no records of a child drowning in Burrum district since the swimming lessons began.

Jesse James states in the book that "as a pupil of Howard, I recollect the swimming classes being held at the site in Burrum River below 'the crossing', the point at which the north bound roadway crossed the river before the construction of the low level concrete bridge below the railway crossing."(Johnson, 2012). A swimming school carnival was even held at this site.

Postcard of the opening of the Burrum River Traffic Bridge at Howard, 1926. The bridge was opened by the Queensland Premier, William McCormack in November, 1926, on his visit to the Burrum Coalfields. Source: Fraser Coast Libraries Image Gallery

Apparently the dream of a swimming pool was hatched at a school picnic in the 1930s. Following drownings in the district of Burrum, Howard and Torbanlea, it was felt essential that young people learn to swim. The first official proposal was put forth by Matthew Walker as chair to a meeting of the school committee on 4th June, 1957 (Johnson, 2012).  The pool was officially opened on November 17, 1962 (Johnson, 2012) after local coalminers contributed money from their wages to the project. The pool is still being used to teach children how to swim. You can borrow of a copy of the book Howard Pool the history:how community involvement and spirit was able to provide a lasting legacy:50 years on / 'China' Johnson.2012 from Fraser Coast Libraries.

Copies are available from the Burrum Swim Club.

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