National disabilityhas expressed concern about the disproportionate impact swimming pool closures have on disabled people, as Swim Wales warns nearly a third of public swimming pool closures in Wales could face closure due to increased energy bills.
Sense polling has found that half (50%) of people with complex disabilities say the cost of living crisis has negatively impacted their physical health, and the charity is concerned this number could increase without urgent intervention.
Richard Kramer, Chief Executive of Sense, said:
“We’re worried about the closure of swimming pools and impact it could have on disabled people.
“Swimming is the sport of choice for many disabled young people and adults. The movement of the body in water offers a sense of freedom for those with limited mobility and can provide effective physiotherapy.
“It helps improves general health, wellbeing, confidence and social skills and is also simply an opportunity to have fun and enjoy the freedom that being in the pool offers.
“A swimming pool closure affects the whole community but can have a disproportionate impact on disabled people, many of whom will struggle to travel further to find another pool, or find change really disorientating. We’re fearful many disabled people will stop swimming altogether and miss out on so much.”
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