CELEBRITY swimmer David Walliams could dive in to help a “unique” Hampshire swimming pool that has recorded a £40,000 loss.

Walliams, star of Little Britain and Come Fly With Me, swam the English Channel for Sport Relief in 2006 and recently completed a 140-mile stretch of the River Thames.

Now the 40-year-old comedian could be invited to make a big splash at Lymington’s seawater baths.

Lymington and Pennington Town Council wants to raise the pool’s profile following losses made this summer, when wet weather resulted in low attendance figures.

Members of the baths sub-committee discussed several options, including a public appearance by someone famous such as Walliams.

Famous for his on-screen partnership with Matt Lucas, he once swam from Lee-on-Solent to the Isle of Wight and also completed an eight-hour swim off the coast of Croatia before embarking on his cross-Channel attempt.

The council’s attempt to boost the pool’s popularity could also include airborne advertising in the form of a large helium balloon above the site.

Allowing the facility to be used for events such as birthday parties will also be considered.

Councillors confirmed that the pool would re-open next May, despite the deficit.

They cited savings achieved by the manager, Richard Ayling, who has managed to reduce staffing costs and other overheads.

The mayor, Councillor Anna Rostand, said: “I think a large helium balloon is a wonderful idea – it could help pinpoint the pool’s location.”

Said to be the largest facility of its type on the south coast, the open air baths were built in the 1780s.

The 90-metre pool is normally open between May and September but remained shut in 2009 after a report revealed 21 health and safety issues.

Campaigners raised a 300-name petition and the baths re-opened last year following major improvements.