YOUTH now have access to the Red Cliffs Swimming Pool free of charge, allowing them a place to swim while the flooded Murray River is off limits.

It was announced this week that people under 17 could enter Red Cliffs' pool for free until January 29.

Aligned Leisure’s Mildura leisure manager Caitlin Simmons said the trial, which was driven by the local Red Cliffs community, and brought to life by Aligned Leisure, Hands Up Mallee and Mildura Rural City Council, would provide a safe, fun and connected environment for young people to enjoy, while offering the many added benefits of visiting a public pool through keeping active and socialising with friends.

"After hearing from the Red Cliffs community, it was clear that with limited activities for young people within the local area, and transport into Mildura a barrier for many, there was a real need to look at how we could better support young people to have fun, stay active and enjoy their school holidays this summer," she said.

"With the river now out of action this year, it’s great to be able to support the community in this way by providing a safe environment for everyone to enjoy."

Ms Simmons said the community were excited about the announcement.

"Within hours of posting the news of the pilot on our Facebook page, we were overwhelmed by the comments of support and positive feedback received from the community, not just from young people, but their families also," she said.

"There’s definitely a lot of buzz and excitement about the launch this weekend."

Ms Simmons said the pool would host a range of activity days throughout January, with consultation now under way with local youth groups to find out what they’d like to see.

This summer there will also be free spectator entry and cheaper rates on visitor passes or memberships for adults.