Select the option that is the direct form of the given sentence.

The child asked his mother if he could swim in the pool there.

The child asked his mother, “May I swim in the pool here?”

The direct form of the given sentence is: The child asked his mother, “May I swim in the pool here?”

Explanation:
In direct speech, questions typically begin with modal verbs like "may," "can," or "could" when seeking permission. Therefore, "if he could swim" becomes "May I swim."

So, the correct option is: "The child asked his mother, “May I swim in the pool here?”"