FINAL preparations are going swimmingly at Gourock Outdoor Pool ahead of the eagerly-anticipated season opener.

Staff are hard at work getting the historic 108-year-old facility ready before the annual ‘big jump in’ today.

Schoolchildren can swim for free at the event, which will also feature a barbecue, bouncy castle, face painting, games and prizes.

Lauren O’Donnell, pool manager, said: “The weather seems to be picking up this week just in time for it.

“We’re all excited for the opening.”

David McCorkindale and Stuart Boyle from pool operators Inverclyde Leisure tested the water — which is heated to 29C -—on Tuesday afternoon to make sure it is in peak condition ahead of the grand opening and they gave it their seal of approval.

Over the past week almost 30 lifeguards have been in for training while maintenance staff have been busy painting, pressure washing the outdoor areas and making final adjustments and improvements before tomorrow’s event.

Lauren said: “We have a team of lifeguards and the pool team are doing last minute preparations.

“Most of the jobs have to be done in the last week, like getting the changing rooms and other areas that have been out of action for the winter ready for customers. It’s looking great.”

The pool is open from May to September each year and is one of the oldest in the UK.

This season will see the return of the popular midnight swims throughout June, July and August.

Tomorrow’s ‘big jump in’ starts at 4pm.