Outdoor pools see rise in visitors this summer
BBCOutdoor swimming pools and lidos have reported increased visitor numbers this summer, with some venues recording their busiest season in years.
Bovey Tracey Pool in Devon said demand increased by 20% to 25% this year, while Plymouth's Tinside Lido welcomed 60,000 visitors by the end of July, surpassing its previous 21st-century seasonal record.
Bude Sea Pool in Cornwall said it reached maximum capacity on more days than previously, while Mount Wise Pools in Plymouth recorded a 17.6% increase in visitors compared with the same period last year.
The venues said the warm, dry weather and heatwaves encouraged more people to swim and take part in outdoor activities.
Some also said the increased footfall created additional pressures for staff and maintenance.
Jodie Harper, communications manager at Bude Sea Pool, said: "It's fantastic to see so many people enjoying the pool, although naturally it does bring additional demands on our team."
In Bovey Tracey, a spokesperson said improved steps introduced as part of an accessibility refurbishment had made "a big difference" to demand.
Mount Wise Pools said afternoon sessions had regularly reached capacity, with visitor numbers rising from 25,146 by the end of July last year to 29,577 this year.
Stephanie Lewis, head of business and commercial development at Plymouth Active, said the warmer water from the hot weather had encouraged visitors to stay for longer, with many remaining for their whole session.
'It's wonderful'
The Jubilee Pool in Penzance has also been busy.
Chief operating officer Giles Gould said: "It's fabulous. The pool is full, people are visiting - we couldn't ask for any more than that. It's [been] ideal for us, it's wonderful.
"We describe it as a trip to a beach, but in a pool. So you've got people sunbathing, lying out in deckchairs, reading - it's a whole day event and it's great that it continues to perform that role."
One girl at the Jubilee Pool said she preferred it to the beach because the sea had been "full of jellyfish".
Hayle outdoor pool is celebrating its 50th anniversary and has also reported a busy season, with some sessions offering people the chance of swimming with a mermaid.
