Olympians will join hundreds of people taking the plunge in pools across Medway this weekend as the Big Splash returns for its third year.

Kate Haywood, who holds the British record for 100m breaststroke, will kick off the pool party at Medway Park on Saturday, before heading off to help with taster sessions at Strood Sports Centre.

Former modern pentathlon world champion, Mhairi Spence, will be taking part and cheering participants on in the Big Swim Challenge at Strood Sports Centre on Sunday.

The Big Splash will take place across all council-run swimming pools with free events for all the family including a variety of aquatic sports and games, pool parties, and the Big Swim and team challenge events.

Cllr Howard Doe, community services chief, said: “We hope to again see lots of local people getting involved. This is all about getting local people more active, enjoying swimming and taking advantage of the great sports facilities we have here in Medway.”

The Extreme Challenge, which saw people jumping into chilly waters at The Strand outdoor pool, Gillingham, last January, will not be returning this year as it was a one off.

The new addition for 2016 is the It’s a Knock-Out style competition at Medway Park on Sunday where teams will battle it out in events such as team water sports raft races and even a giant inflatable obstacle course.

The pool parties feature fun family games, music, giant inflatables and raft games plus a family gala with races and medals.

Activities on offer range from aqua zorbs, diving, syncro, water polo, aqua Zumba, synchronised swimming to lifesaving and more.

This year’s distance challenge at Strood Sports Centre on Sunday is raising money for The Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Trust at Medway Maritime Hospital.

Louise Proffitt, matron at the Oliver Fisher Neonatal Unit and charity trustee, said: “We are hugely grateful to have been chosen to be the charity partner of the Big Splash 2016.

“Any money raised by participants will allow our unit to continue to give the sick and premature babies we look after the very best care possible.”

All activities are free apart from the It’s a Knock Out competition which is £3 per person with all money going to the charity.

All events must be booked in advance and registration close at 5pm on Thursday . Booking can be made on the day subject to availability. The Splashes pool party in Gillingham is now fully booked.

Visit www.medway.gov.uk/bigsplash