Cooling down in the pool is one of the joys of summer. Here’s a gallery of swimming photos from the area over the years.

Ipswich Star: Smiles all round in the swimming pool at Halifax School, Ipswich in 1977 Picture: ARCHANTSmiles all round in the swimming pool at Halifax School, Ipswich in 1977 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Before Crown Pools opened in Ipswich in 1984, St Matthew’s Baths was a popular venue for swimming all through the year. Do you remember a toddler session from September 1981, featured in one of our photos? The youngsters enjoying their first taste of the water here would now be around 40.

Ipswich Star: Tense drama going on at a Felixstowe swimming gala in 1995 Picture: ARCHANTTense drama going on at a Felixstowe swimming gala in 1995 Picture: ARCHANT

The opening of Deben Swimming Pool in Woodbridge in 1973 was a big day for the town, and our photo shows some of the first swimmers enjoying the occasion. It was then an outdoor pool, with a roof being fitted in 1984.

Ipswich Star: The opening of Deben swimming pool in 1973 Picture: ARCHANTThe opening of Deben swimming pool in 1973 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Many families have fond memories of children’s swimming galas, and our gallery also includes photos of events in Felixstowe and Stowmarket, as well as children having fun in the pool at Halifax School in Ipswich.

Ipswich Star: Some of the competitors at Stowmarket Swimming Gala in August 1975 Picture: ARCHANTSome of the competitors at Stowmarket Swimming Gala in August 1975 Picture: ARCHANT

Do these photos bring back memories? Email judy.rimmer@archant.co.uk. To order copies of photos, visit www.eadt.co.uk/myphotos24, or call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449

Ipswich Star: Stowmarket swimming club awards in January 1990Stowmarket swimming club awards in January 1990

Ipswich Star: Fun races in the outdoor swimming pool in Bury St Edmunds Picture: ANDY ABBOTTFun races in the outdoor swimming pool in Bury St Edmunds Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Children having fun on a Pluto inflatable at Diss swimming pool in December 1989. Picture: ARCHANTChildren having fun on a Pluto inflatable at Diss swimming pool in December 1989. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant Library)