OPINION
No Diving. No Running. No Bombing. “Public swimming pools are under threat. Should we protect them? Can we protect them?” asks Adam Clark, General Manager at Golden Coast
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hose of you who know me will know that I am into fitness. Specifically, I’m a Crossfitter. Keeping up with the Crossfit program means that I go swimming once a week. As I’m one of more than 66 million people in the UK who don’t have access to their own private swimming pool, I swim in a public pool on a weekly basis. And I love it. We have a rich heritage of public swimming baths and it’s one that needs protecting for the good of people’s health, for the benefit of the community and yes, for the good of our industry.
DOGGY PADDLE The first public swimming baths date back to the 17th century but the bathing boom came in during the 1850s. If you picture life in Victorian England your imagination is almost bound to dredge up a few images of bathing beauties in modest swimming costumes and dandies in stripy shorts twirling their moustaches. The baths were a response to concerns about public health and hygiene and they gave people a safe place to learn to swim as well as to exercise and keep clean.
BUTTERFLY The Victorians recognised the fact that swimming was an activity that had benefits for everyone. Those muscle-bound strongmen in their knitted leotards certainly spent hours swimming lengths in the pool. Actually learning to swim became more and more important as the Victorians took to the rivers, canals and beaches in their droves. Public swimming pools served as social hubs bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and swimming was an activity that families could do together. Mental health was perhaps not the hot topic it is
today but the Victorians knew that municipal swimming pools offered a retreat from the daily stresses of life and contributed to improved mental wellbeing.
BREASTSTROKE All the health benefits that swimming can bring remain the same. The benefits of municipal pools haven’t changed, yet the public swimming pool in this country is an endangered species. England has lost almost 400 public swimming pools since 2010. Each closure has its own specific reasons but essentially it all comes down to money. As pools get older, they become more expensive to maintain. Maintenance budgets have been cut over the years and now what needs to be done, can’t afford to be done. Many public swimming pools operate at a loss, relying on subsidies from local governments to stay afloat and local government budgets are under pressure. The rise of private gyms and leisure centres with swimming pools has created competition for public facilities. All these things are made worse by the energy crisis.
BACKSTROKE There is still hope for public pools and swimming baths. In June this year the government launched an initiative called the Swimming Pool Support Fund. The fund provides a total of £60m to local authorities in England to support public leisure facilities with swimming pools. Phase 1 consists of £20m available to facilities with swimming pools where increased costs are leaving them vulnerable to closure. Basically, it’s money to keep them afloat in the short term. The second phase comes in the form of grants from a £40m pot for capital
England has lost almost 400 public swimming pools since 2010. Each closure has its own specific reasons but essentially it all comes down to money” 80 October 2023 SPN 84_SPN_October_2023_Opinion.indd 80
investment to improve the energy efficiency of public pools in the medium to long term. The second phase of the Swimming Pool Support Fund opened in August to applications from local authorities.
SIDESTROKE Our industry has been looking to be more eco-friendly for many years but the energy crisis has focused everyone’s attention on spiralling energy costs and how to minimise their impact. Technology that was originally designed for private pools can work just as well in public ones. Heat pumps, automation systems and energy efficient pumps that are specified for new builds can often be retro fitted to make an existing pool more efficient. We have exactly the knowledge, products and technology that these public pools and baths are looking for.
FRONT CRAWL Public swimming pools and swimming baths have been an essential part of British culture for generations. Their historical significance highlights their importance in promoting health and wellbeing. They have been around for a long time because they work, they make a difference to public health and community spirit. The future of public swimming pools and swimming baths in the UK depends on grant funding, community engagement, and a commitment to their preservation. It also depends on lowering their energy costs, on making the pools more attractive and more efficient. If we get that right these cultural gems can continue to thrive, providing safe, accessible and enjoyable spaces for generations to come. Ensuring the tradition of public swimming remaining a cherished part of British life. I know, I’ve got my towel and my Speedos packed and I’m looking forward to next week’s lengths down the pool. Long may it be there! Golden Coast 01271 378100 www.goldenc.com
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 08/10/2023 22:06