Families dived in to Medway’s second Big Splash Festival at the weekend as swimmers flocked to their nearest pool to share the fun and frolics.

Medway Council, supported by Southern Water, staged events at leisure centres across the borough with parties, games, races, inflatables and swim challenges. Families could have a go a scuba diving, snorkelling or synchronised swimming.

It was the second time the council had put on the event which aims to get people more active, especially in the winter months and to showcase swimming facilities in the Towns. Swimming at council pools is free for children and pensioners. Pregnant women get a 50% discount.

Olympic swimmers Joe Roebuck and Kate Haywood, former British record holder for the 100m breaststroke, were also there as part of a ‘Trunx on Tour’ initiative to reward children.

It follows last year’s inaugural festival, encouraging more children and adults to take a dip and get active. Swimmers were challenged to see how far Medway could swim in one weekend.

A Southern Water spokesman said: “Southern Water is proud to support Medway Big Splash 2015. With an extensive coastline bordering our region and many miles of rivers, we believe it’s appropriate for a water company to help teach children to swim.”

Events were held at Hoo Pool, Medway Park in Gillingham, Strood Leisure Centres and Splashes in Rainham.

For a full report and pictures, see Friday's Medway Messenger.