OLYMPIC and Commonwealth swimmer Kathy Read joined swimmers as Petersfield’s Open Air Pool began its season with a splash.

She dashed off a length or two to show off her butterfly after the ribbon was cut for the opening by new pool manager Deborah Mitchell.

Adults and children then enjoyed a swimming session and one described it “like getting into a warm bath”, with the pool now heated to 28 degrees.

The pool is open all day for the first time, not closing for lunch as usual, and there is a bistro-style café, new tables and chairs and WiFi access.

Visit www.petersfieldpool.org and the pool’s Facebook page for more.

Photos by Michelle Fox-Reynolds.