Successful first week of the season for Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool as they open early

Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool in Gloucestershire has commenced its season a month earlier than usual, responding to high demand from the community.

The pool welcomed its first swimmers to a fully-booked session thanks to the dedication of its volunteers.

Pool manager Ian Johnston attributes the successful early opening to an increase in volunteer lifeguards, alongside committed engineers, and tuck shop staff, who have ensured the pool operates smoothly:

"In previous years, we've not done it opened earlier primarily because we rely a lot on students who have taken the lifeguarding qualifications to help us out in the summer season. As it happens over the last couple of years, we have quite a lot of people that are over the age of 50 who are lifeguards, perfectly safe, really well qualified, but at that stage in life where they can offer a bit of time to do something different to their normal careers. There's demand and we can deliver to it. "

Managed by a charity near Cirencester Park, the pool relies entirely on a volunteer team of 30 to 40 individuals.

Ian Johnston encouraged the community to return to the pool for another season, highlighting the value of their efforts in sustaining the heated lido.

The enthusiastic response from swimmers signals a promising start to the season, as the pool continues to serve the community's needs through volunteer support.

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