A NEW hoist will enable people with even the most profound disabilities to enter the Stadium Pool in Huddersfield.
One of the first to try out the battery-powered hoist at the pool was Kelly McGlade, a 22-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer from Mirfield.
Her mother Nikki, 44, said: "It's brilliant.
"Her life is in a wheelchair. She loves the water and can move around in it."
Kirklees Active Leisure, the company with charitable status which runs the district council's pools and sports centres, hopes to put in similar equipment in other centres in the near future.
These could include Holmfirth Pool, Dewsbury Sports Centre and the recently refurbished Spenborough Pool in Cleckheaton.
Kelly tried out the new hoist when staff at the Stadium Pool held an open day to mark the International Day of the Disabled.
Two new changing beds were also demonstrated to disabled people and their carers.
The pool already has a manual hoist, but the new battery-powered hoist makes the job easier, smoother and more dignified for the user.
It is on wheels and can be operated from either the poolside or from within the pool using a control pad.
It will be available during any public swim session, should it be required, and also during specific disability pool sessions.
Operations manager Barry Turnbull said: "This is a great boost for Huddersfield.
"We want to let as many people as possible know about the new equipment so that more people can enjoy the benefits of the pool.
"We are particularly targeting the most profoundly disabled people who would have difficulties entering the pool otherwise."
