The pool installed the defibrillator, which is used to help prevent someone from dying after having a cardiac arrest, thanks to a grant from the Strathfieldsaye and District Community Enterprise.

Pool manager Leigh Nolan said the pool was grateful for the grant to buy the piece of equipment. 

"The pool is managed by a not-for-profit committee of management, we needed help to raise the funds for this and the SDCE came on board and were only too happy to assist,” he said.

“I believe we’re the only outdoor pool with a defibrillator in Bendigo."

He said Lifesaving Victoria had "strongly recommended" the pool source and purchase a defibrillator following an audit late last year.

"Without any defibrillator, survival rate is only between 2 – 5 per cent," he said.

Mr Nolan said the defibrillator was especially important given the pool catered for a wide range of people, including the elderly, and attracted high attendance numbers even in winter. 

"Having that ability to respond in an emergency is wonderful for the pool and the community," he said.