Hot weather leads to open air pool's busiest ever day!

PORTISHEAD'S Open Air Pool saw its busiest day of the year - thanks to the scorching late summer weather.

The pool closed for the summer season on September 25 but trustees re-opened the lido last Friday to make the most of the hot weather.

Volunteers came in especially for the extra three days to run the lido and support the lifeguards as temperatures soared into the mid twenties.

Around 2,700 people flocked through the turnstiles of the lido over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with Sunday being the busiest day of the season so far, attracting around 1,440 swimmers.

As the pool was so busy, swimmers were allowed into the water on a 20 minute rota, signalled by an air horn, to ensure everyone enjoyed some time in the pool.

Pool volunteer, Barbara Thatcher, said: "We closed for the season on September 25  but after monitoring the weather forecast for a couple of days, and checking that we could get the lifeguards, we decided  to open specially at the weekend so that everyone could enjoy the last blast of summer weather before getting out the winter woollies. 

"As a result, around 2,700 people came through turnstiles over three days, with Sunday being the busiest day of the year so far.

"At times, we were at capacity but with our new busy day policy we were able to ensure that everyone had a chance to come in and enjoy a splash about in the pool and sunbathe on the terraces. 

"Many volunteers came in for the whole three days to ensure that the lifeguards were supported and we were rewarded by the number of people who came up and thanked us for a lovely day, which made it all worthwhile."

Money raised through entry fees are ploughed back into maintaining and improving the pool.

Trustees are now planning to buy a specialist pool vacuum cleaner which means the pool will not have to be drained to clean the bottom.

Mrs Thatcher added: "This is a environmentally friendly option which will also save money in refilling the pool."

Trustees are also bidding for cash for the lido from the NatWest Community Force fund to create a disabled changing room and buy a special ladder to allow people with limited mobility to access the water.

People can find out more and vote for the pool at http://communityforce.natwest.com/project/3838.

Mrs Thatcher added: "Voting is open until 23 October and we would urge people to support us."

The pool is due to open on April 21 next year - it's 50th anniversary and for more details log onto www.portisheadopenairpool.org.uk.