INJURED IN a horrific accident twelve years ago, Michael Gentle, was told his injuries were so horrific he would not be able to walk properly again.
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At one point, a month after the accident, he was preparing for the possibility of having his leg amputated.
Fast forward to 2014 and Mr Gentle is Deputy Captain of the Lake Albert branch of the Rural Fire Service (RFS), able to fight fires and train up young members.
Mr Gentle said he owes his recovery to the hydrotherapy pool.
"Without the hydrotherapy pool I wouldn't be where I am today," he said.
Spending 18 months of crutches, Mr Gentle hadn't touched his foot to the ground when he was recommended for session at the pool.
"It took the weight of my body, and I could move much more easily," he said.
A Junee resident at the time, Mr Gentle regularly travelled to Wagga to use the purpose-built pool, meeting people from throughout the Riverina.
"People I met who used the pool came from Ganmain and Coolamon, the pool services a huge area," Mr Gentle said.
After two hydrotherapy pool session every week for 12 months, the muscles in Mr Gentle's withered foot began to strengthen.
"It was really important for me to be at the pool with qualified physiotherapists," he said.
Eager to get his leg back to working order, Mr Gentle said he pushed too hard at the beginning.
"I needed the physiotherapists to tell me that if I kept going at that pace I would do more damage," he said
In 2006 Mr Gentle was admitted to hospital again, forced to have operations on his back.
During the rehabilitation process he used the pool again.
Describing the proposed closure of the pool as ridiculous Mr Gentle said he hoped people could see the huge benefits the hydrotherapy pool had provided many people, himself included.
After joining the RFS after a fire attacked his parents property Mr Gentle said he enjoyed doing his bit for the community.
"Without sessions at the hydrotherapy pool I wouldn't be able to do any of this," he said.
"Demolishing the pool would be a step backwards."