People across Dorset are being urged to show their support for community swimming pools by joining in Big Swim Day.

The event, being held next Friday, February 24, aims to demonstrate the level of local public support for swimming pools and other public leisure and cultural facilities, at a time of unprecedented pressure.

And they are being urged to do so by going for a dip and showing their support on social media.

Operators of pools across the region are among those supporting the drive.

The recent UK Government decision to massively scale back financial support for pools to cover their energy costs have placed many under increasing financial pressure, as costs have spiralled out of control, according to organisers.

A spokesman said: "Swimming pools are particularly dependent on energy use, both in maintaining the ambient temperature in the facility and in heating the pool water to the right temperature for leisure use.

"The rise in energy costs has come on top of financial challenges arising out of closure during the period of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as continuing public expenditure constraints over many years."

Big Swim Day is being organised by Community Leisure UK (CLUK), the industry body representing the operators of 880 pools across England, Scotland and Wales. It is calling on Ministers to rethink the decision not to continue providing support for the sector to pay its energy bills.

Phil Rumbelow, Chair of CLUK, said: “Big Swim Day is the ideal opportunity for local people to show support for local community pools, facing unprecedented financial challenges, and while doing so to have a great time and build mental health and physical wellbeing.

“There’s no need to make special arrangements - just come along on the day!

“We hope that regular swimmers will make an additional visit next Friday, and many of the community who have not been for a while, but know the important part public leisure plays in the life of the community, will make a special visit.

“Have a swim, bring your friends and family, and share your support for the day on social media using #bigswimday and #saveourpools.”