Pooches prepare for cool pool party

ONE of Ballarat’s public pool sites is closing out their outdoor swimming season with a party for the city’s furry, four-legged friends.

The region’s first-ever Dog Day Pool Party is set to take place this Sunday at Eureka Pool, with City of Ballarat staff inviting dog-owners to bring their pets into the water before the site shuts over winter.

The one-off event is expected to run for two hours and mayor Cr Des Hudson said it’ll be a great time for dogs and their owners.

“We know how many dog lovers exist in Ballarat and we think this is a great way to give them and their dogs an afternoon they will love,” he said.

“It is also another way to utilise our fantastic facilities like Eureka Pool in a diverse way and perhaps show people a venue they might not have visited before.

“However, we really do ask people to follow the rules and make sure it is an enjoyable day for everybody.”

With similar dog day initiatives held in pools throughout Victoria, municipal staff have been in touch with City of Greater Bendigo and the Yarra Ranges representatives to help craft their event.

Attendees are encouraged to make sure they maintain public safety by carrying their dog’s leash with them, remain in vocal or physical proximity of their pet and to not allow them to threaten others.

Those wishing to attend the event are required to complete a registration form found at the City of Ballarat website.

The Dog Day Pool Party will run from 2pm to 4pm and dogs enter free while adults pay $5 and $4.20 for children over five years old.