LGA responds to new Swim England report warning that 2,000 swimming pools could be lost by the end of the decade

Responding to the new Swim England report, A Decade of Decline: The Future of Swimming Pools in England, Chairman of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson said:

“The findings in this report adds to our own recently published evidence highlighting that 72 per cent of schools rely on public swimming pools to teach children how to swim and water safety skills making them essential for delivering the national curriculum. Swimming is also an essential low-impact activity for older residents and those with joint or mobility issues, reducing the burden on the NHS and adult social care.

“Sixty per cent of swimming pools are past their expected lifespans or overdue refurbishment and account for up to 40 percent of some councils direct carbon emissions. Alongside high running costs and financial constraints exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a real risk that we will lose these vital community assets. Capital investment for councils to redesign, upgrade and renovate facilities is urgently needed in the upcoming Spending Review to protect them and deliver on net zero targets.