Outdoor pool to host dog swimming for first time

Dog swimming sessions have been held at other lidos, including Cheltenham (pictured)

An outdoor pool in Leicestershire is introducing swimming sessions for dogs for the first time.

Water-loving pets will be able to show off their doggy paddle skills at Ashby Leisure Centre's lido - which is 95 years old - during the last two weekends in September.

After the final swim on 29 September, the poolside area will be disinfected, and the pool will be filtered and cleaned before closing for the season, said Everyone Active, which runs the centre.

Duncan Gibb, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “Doggy splash sessions are proving an increasingly popular activity around the country and we are really excited to be hosting our own at Ashby for the first time."

One dog per adult

Other lidos including Saltdean Lido in Brighton and Sandford Parks Lido in Cheltenham have offered swimming sessions for dogs.

Mr Gibb added: “We’re a family-friendly leisure centre and we know dogs are considered family members too, so we’re delighted to give them the opportunity to enjoy the outdoor pool."

Everyone Active, which runs the pool in partnership with North West Leicestershire District Council, said entry for an hour session for an owner and their dog is £15, with one dog per adult allowed to join in.

Customers need to book in advance, and additional people will cost £9 each, the company added.