KINGSTEIGNTON Swimming Pool is back for a hopefully glorious sunny summer when it opens its doors for a 39th season tomorrow.

Town crier Jackie Edwards will invite the town’s mayor Cllr Ron Peart to officially open the pool at 1pm. Swimmers and spectators can enjoy an opening day barbecue from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Jan Collins, of the pool’s committee, said: ‘The committee and volunteers have been busy preparing this valuable facility to open for the town and its surrounding communities to enjoy.

‘We take pride in our pool and want to encourage new visitors to come along and also look forward to the welcome return of our dedicated supporters.

‘As Kingsteignton continues to increase in population we strive to offer opportunities for all ages and abilities to use the pool.’

Jan said the heated 25-metre outdoor pool is monitored by fully qualified lifeguards and they also have a heated toddler pool for the little ones.

There’s also free car parking; a hoist available for disabled swimmers; seating around the pool; and refreshments including hot and cold drinks and ice creams.

She added: ‘Our Saturday swim school maintains its position as being one of the best places in the area for children to learn to swim and we now have four more qualified teachers for the 2018 season.

‘The teaching programs allow parents and family members to be in close proximity to their children when they are learning to swim. This is so important for a child who perhaps has little or no understanding of water based activities. We are now offering parent and toddler sessions and a new adult swimming lesson session.

‘Last year, we worked with KingsCare to enable their organisation to have their own private pool session. This encouraged those who may not feel comfortable joining our normal adult sessions to become part of a group where they could attend to enjoy gentle exercise and socialise with friends.

‘We look forward to see how many more lives can be enhanced in our community pool.’

Jan said Kingsteignton Youth Club will also be using the pool for their own sessions this season.

She added: ‘Following the completion of the refurbishment of the female shower area and toilets for the start of the 2017 season we are delighted to share the news that with successful grant applications, local/national business schemes, personal donations and our own fundraising we have now completed the refurbishment of the male shower area and toilets.

‘We would like to thank Sport England’s Community Asset Fund, Tesco Bags of Help scheme, Co-op local Community Fund and Kingsteignton Town Council.

‘Maintaining and running the pool costs an enormous amount of money each year and there is always some part of the plant or equipment that needs either replacing or repairing.

‘We now need to raise £6,000 for our sand filters to be changed. This is an important project for the professionals and will need to be undertaken soon.

‘If anyone is able to help us with the funding please do come forward.

‘Let’s make this an incredible year for the pool.’

For more information, visit www.kingsteigntonswimmingpool.org.uk or call 01626 366480.