A MAN in training for a gruelling triathlon has spoken up for the much-maligned boom at Poole’s Dolphin Swimming Pool.

Stephen Bodman was staying in Poole and visited the pool as part of his training for the Liverpool Triathlon, which took place last Sunday.

After his swim he was surprised to discover from his mother-in-law how contentious the boom was among local users.

A petition signed by 661 people unhappy at the £100,000 boom, which was introduced in January without any consultation with swimmers, was presented to Borough of Poole last week.

“I was impressed with the friendliness of the centre staff, cleanliness of the facility and enjoyed my training session,” said Stephen.

He said he felt the addition of the boom gave the following benefits: l The main swimming area was 25m in length, ideal for training for many competitions as they are either held in 25m pools or an open water swim of a length which is a multiple of 25m.

l Serious swimmers could proceed unhindered with their exercise as other pool users could occupy the smaller, shallower section.

l The remaining section was ideal for weaker swimmers wishing to do lengths or for those less confident in deeper water.

l It offered a wider range of options for schools and clubs using the pool.

He said his mother-in-law forwarded him a copy of the Daily Echo article headlined “Hundreds sign up to remove pool’s boom”, which prompted him to write, “in support of the contentious addition”.

He came 45th in the triathlon.

The petition against the boom, presented by regular swimmer Eben Foggitt, will go to an overview and scrutiny committee.