SWIMMERS made a splash as Gourock Pool’s 2024 season officially got underway.
An overcast afternoon didn’t stop locals from turning out in their numbers to take part in the annual ‘big jump in’ event which kicks the season off.
Dedicated Inverclyde Leisure staff have spent weeks getting the iconic local landmark, which is celebrating is 115th year in operation, in good shape.
The pool found itself in the spotlight last year after a photograph of it was used on the cover of Britpop band Blur’s latest album The Ballad of Darren.
Pool manager Marc McFarlane told the Tele he hoped the pool could build on the excitement of the previous year and have another successful season.
He said :”The magic never wears off, I think that’s part of the allure and charm of the pool.
“It’s what keeps people coming back time and time again.
“We have lots of familiar faces who come along but we’re now starting to see a lot more people from further afield, especially with the exposure last year.
“It’s testament to how great the facilities are here, it’s world class when you think about the panoramic views and the spectacular water for swimming in which is about 29 degrees.
“We actually had people coming in at nine o’clock this morning looking for a swim, so we’re anticipating a great surge of interest.
“Last season was certainly one of the best seasons we’ve had.
“We had great weather in May going into June, which really boosted it, and once the news broke that Blur had put it on the album it became massive.
“We had STV, BBC and This Morning down filming.
“I would love it if we see more of that this season, you never know!
“The pool sells itself, it’s a fantastic facility and it always draws an amazing crowd.”
The global attention brought throngs of visitors to the already popular pool and helped it record another successful season.
Staff at the attraction are now hoping for another big year.
And the pool's packed calendar for 2024 should help bring plenty of people in.
The calendar includes the return of the ever-popular Starlit Swims, the Inverclyde Leisure Triathlon and the Doggy Day Swim at the end of the season.
The starlit swimming sessions have proved so popular in recent years that the pool has increased the number for 2024, meaning there will be one almost every week during summer.
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