PUBLIC POOLS
UNITED VOICES IN PUBLIC POOLS CALL
A special report from the Pool & Spa Scene team…
SOME 200 PUBLIC POOLS have still not reopened following the first lockdown in March 2020.
“THERE IS A SILVER LINING AS IT IS THE PERFECT TIME TO GIVE EVERYTHING IN THE PLANT ROOM A CHECK AND CARRY OUT ANY IMPORTANT WORKS.”
- David Parry, HTH C
ombined voices are calling for commercial swimming pools to be recognised as essential
services as leisure operators reel under the third enforced closure since the outbreak of the coronavirus crisis. The national closure of swimming pools through the third compulsory lockdown has resulted in a huge major impact on swimming. The costs involved in hibernating
swimming pools are extensive, particularly when coupled with the loss of income for pool operators. Swim England estimate that, when
the latest lockdown was triggered, almost 200 public pools had still not reopened following the first lockdown in March 2020. “We understand the need for the
28 WINTER 2021
Government to take difficult actions as we don’t want to see our NHS being overwhelmed,” says Swim England Chief Executive Jane Nickerson.
ESSENTIAL SERVICE
“However, it is vital that pools are recognised as an essential service for the health and wellbeing of the nation and are reopened as soon as possible,” she adds. “The longer pools remain shut, the
greater the risks that many will never reopen their doors. This would be devastating for the millions of people who swim in England each year and for our fantastic swimming, diving, water polo and artistic swimming clubs.”
Public pools are vital community
hubs, say Swim England, helping people lead healthier and happier lives and saving the NHS more than £357 million each year. “We campaigned vocally for financial support for our pools and the Government’s £100 million National Leisure Recovery Fund is most welcome and a step in the right direction” says Jane. “This money should reach pools in the coming weeks and will make a real difference,” she continues. “However, it is clear that the
continued lockdown and restrictions mean that many of our pools still face a very uncertain future and so we will continue to work to ensure that appropriate support is made available to pools to help them through the
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