ALL outdoor swimming pools across the Southern Grampians Shire officially opened for summer on Saturday.

The pools at Balmoral, Coleraine, Dunkeld, Glenthompson and Penshurst joined Hamilton’s outdoor pool following required maintenance works and an intensive lifeguard recruitment drive.

“We have been pushing hard to employ lifeguards to enable our six pools to be open and fully staffed,” Council Leisure Facilities coordinator, Di Dixon said.

“We are pleased to have staff to open all six pools this weekend and to make the outdoor pools as fun and safe as possible.

“As we have done for the past few years, we have made all our outdoor pools free for everyone to be able to access so we really encourage everyone to come along to their local pool this weekend and kick start summer with a swim!”

The Glenthompson and Penshurst pools will be open if the weather is 23 degrees or over and the Hamilton, Balmoral, Coleraine and Dunkeld pools will be open if the weather is 21 degrees or over.

All pools open at 3pm and close at 7pm unless otherwise advised.

On weekends, and throughout January, if the temperature is forecast to be 35 or over, pools will open from 12-7pm.

Keep an eye on the Southern Grampians Shire Council outdoor pools Facebook page at facebook.com/southerngrampianspools to stay updated with any changes to pool opening times.

Ms Dixon reminded the community that whilst the pools were a great source of fun for the family, it was important to remain vigilant around the water.

“Our pools are fully supervised, and we take the highest possible measures to ensure pool safety,” she said.

“However, it is the responsibility of parents and caregivers to keep an eye on their own children in and around the water. It is our wish that the outdoor pool season is enjoyable for all in a safe and responsible environment.”