Portishead Open Air Pool is already making headlines following its extensive refurbishments. The Bristol-based pool made national news when a duck and her nine ducklings were found floating in the water after it reopened in April.
Following the £250,000 refurbishment which included new pipework, a new liner, cover and pool surrounds – all led by CP Pools and DG Pools & Leisure – the ducklings further thrust the lido into the public eye. Barbara Thatcher, who runs the pool with the Portishead Pool Community Trust, admits they were expecting the arrivals, but hadn’t planned to find the new-borns taking their first swimming lessons in the pool.
“We eventually shepherded the little group through the fire escape, down the esplanade and into Portishead Lake which is much more suitable as a duckling nursery,” she comments. A team of 12 helped with the daring rescue, with lifeguards, pool staff and local swimmers helping guide the new-borns to safety and highlighting the community spirit in Portishead.
