Greenock Telegraph | News | Summer starts here with a giant splash

Friday, 21st November, 2008

Published: Saturday, 4th May, 2002 00:00

Summer starts here with a giant splash

HUNDREDS of swimmers are expected to take the plunge when Gourock's outdoor pool opens for the season tomorrow.

A carnival atmosphere is promised at the event which begins at 10am.

Inverclyde Royal's hospital radio will be making an outside broadcast and two clowns will be displaying their juggling and stilt walking skills between 10.30 and 11.30am.

Singer Alana Wright will be on hand to entertain the crowds with her karaoke between 1.00 and 3pm.

There will be no charge for swimmers on the opening day. Prizes, fun and games will also be on offer.

This year the pool is being opened three weeks earlier than usual because of good weather in previous Mays.

Operations manager Nicky Waterson of Inverclyde Leisure said: “We usually open on the last Saturday in May and usually the fortnight before is scorching and then it rains."

Mr Waterson said opening day normally attracts a few hundred swimmers and he is anticipating a rush in the morning and a quieter period in the afternoon as football fans disappear to watch the Scottish Cup Final on television.

Gourock pool opened in the early 1900s. It was given a major refurbishment in 1935 when the bather and spectator capacity was increased and in 1969 a water heating system was installed.

The pool contains heated salted water from the Clyde with temperatures maintained at a minimum of 84 degrees.

Opening hours at the pool are 10am until 4.30pm at weekends, 9.30am until 8.30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 8.30am until 8.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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