Getting in the swim

Nearly 200 residents got out and into the local outdoor pools for the opening weekend.

The sun shone on a pictureperfect opening day on December 1, with temperatures soaring past the weather trigger of 26°C, allowing the scheduled season opener to go ahead as planned.

Due to cooler weather, the pools were closed until Wednesday when the mercury rose again, with residents able to cool off at the pools as temperatures hit the high 30s late last week.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Bill Chisholm said the outdoor pools were a brilliant asset to the community.

‘‘It was great to see so many people dive into the pools and enjoy their first day of summer. Right on cue, the sun came out and the temperatures rose to allow people in,’’ he said.

‘‘I would like to thank the staff for their dedication to presenting the pools to the community. They worked tirelessly to open the gates. I would also like to thank the hardworking lifeguards who keep the water safe.

‘‘I look forward to a great summer and an exciting outdoor pool season full of exciting activities with all of our partner groups and clubs.’’

The pools will be opened on days when the air temperatures reach 26°C or more. A decision is made the day prior based on the Bureau of Meteorology’s forecast.