Worries that new charges for the provision of a lifeguard would lead to an $1800 annual bill have evaporated following a meeting between club officials and Wingecarribee Shire Council's civil services co-ordinator Peter Byrne.

But a requirement for the club to double its public liability insurance to $10 million before the start of Bundanoon pool's swim season on October 11 has further muddied its future.

"We've cleared up a few things, but our next hurdle's going to be the insurance," club president Andrea Lenane said.

"It's a shame how ridiculous it's become just for a couple of hours swimming a week."

Council has confirmed that Bundanoon Swimming Club does not require a trained lifeguard for its meets, during which no more than four of its 70-odd members will be in the water at once.

The club, which caters mainly for children, must simply ensure that at least one person on the poolside holds a current rescue qualification such as a bronze medallion, which two volunteers are hoping to obtain on October 7.

Of greatest concern now is the insurance issue, which could raise the club's premium by several hundred dollars and, possibly still, more than double membership fees.

"No doubt our numbers will drop as a result," predicted Ms Lenane, who suggested that "a hell of a lot of fundraising" was needed to avoid any fee hike.

Bundanoon Swimming Club's first meet of the 2003-04 season is scheduled for October 15.