Swimmers are being offered free admission to one of Oxford's most popular outdoor leisure centres when it reopens today (May 1).

Oxford City Council is inviting everyone to celebrate the first day of the summer season at Hinksey outdoor swimming pool, off Abingdon Road.

The much-loved amenity includes a brand new interactive "splash" feature, which squirts water in different directions when pads are pressed.

The heated pool will be open until the end of September.

Bob Price, city councillor for Hinksey Park, said he expected the new splash water feature would become one of the most popular places in Oxford on a hot day.

He said: "Hinksey Park and pool are one of Oxford's best-loved leisure facilities, and the council is delighted to be able to offer a new family leisure activity.

"I hope people will take advantage of the free entry and enjoy the other fun activities the council is providing at the pools and in the park."

Other attractions today include a diving demonstration by the Oxford British Sub-Aqua Club in Hinksey Lake, try-dive sessions in the pool, children's fun fair rides, free tennis, table tennis and boating pedalos.

Last year, Hinksey Pool had a record-breaking summer with hot weather attracting more than 50,000 swimmers -- compared with 37,000 the previous year.

Despite staffing problems in June, repair work on damaged tiles and a broken boiler, people flocked to the pool to cool off during last year's heat- wave.