A community Swimathon is being held at Petersfield Open Air Swimming Pool during May to raise money for the charity-run pool.
The heated open-air pool, which has been a feature of the town centre for more than 60 years, does not receive subsidies and is reliant upon ticket sales and fundraising to pay for its continued development.
The pool reopened for the 2025 season two weeks ago and the water temperature is already up to 26 degrees, making it a safe and inviting place for swimmers of all ages to enjoy a dip.
To celebrate the return of the heated swimming season, swimmers are invited to sign up for the Swimathon and commit to raising money for the pool whenever they swim there during May.
Sheila Spence, chair of the trustees who oversee the running of the pool, said: “A few years back we invested in renovating the pool, the deck and the changing rooms and we’ve had some fantastic feedback from our swimmers since then.
“But we have ambitious plans for other areas on the site, which will help us support more local people to access the health benefits of outdoor swimming all year round.
“Whether you sign up as an individual, a family, a group of friends or even a team from work, please do spread the word and help us raise some money for future development of the pool. The minimum donation is £25, swimmers pick their own distance and everyone who completes the challenge will receive a certificate of thanks.
“The money raised during the Swimathon will go directly towards supporting our community pool, helping to ensure it remains a vital resource for everyone in Petersfield and the surrounding area.”
For more details of the Swimathon, including how to sign up and set up a fundraising page, visit www.petersfieldpool.org