Outdoor pool season has officially begun at Baw Baw Shire pools.
With warmer days now becoming more regular, council's outdoor swimming pools at Drouin, Neerim South, Thorpdale and Trafalgar, and the indoor pool at Rawson, are open from December 1 to March 31.
The pools are managed by the YMCA.
Free swimming will be again offered at Thorpdale throughout summer, a program which is being supported by the Thorpdale Swimming Pool Committee.
Each Friday over the 2024 school holidays, pool parties will be held at the outdoor pools. The venues also boast more than just the cool water, but some also include barbecue and picnic facilities, a children's playground and a shaded toddler pool with water features.
Outdoor pools open when the temperature is forecast for 25 degrees or more, except Rawson and Warragul pools and early morning swims, which are not weather dependent. This is determined by Bureau of Meteorology forecasts for Warragul, which are looked at a week in advance and revised daily.
The pools may close before or during thunderstorm activity or in extreme weather conditions.
Mayor Danny Goss said the local pools were the perfect activity to keep the kids entertained on a warm day, and was proud to see the initiative by the Thorpdale Swimming Pool Committee continue.
"I would like to thank the Thorpdale Swimming Pool Committee for their commitment to community and offering another summer of free swimming for our families," Cr Goss said.
Cr Kate Wilson added it would be great to see residents visit some local hot spots these school holidays.
"A trip to your local pool is sure to be a favourite day out for the kids and I hope to see some big crowds at our facilities this summer," she said.
All the outdoor pools, except Thorpdale, are open for early morning swim programs and then varying afternoon hours during school terms and schol holidays.
Opening hours and entry fees can be found here: www.bawbawpools.ymca.org.au and at www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/pools.