Laura Sharman 27 July 2020

A third of council-owned pools will stay closed this year

Nearly a third of council-owned swimming pools could remain closed until next year, new research has revealed.

Swim England has warned swimming could become leisure’s ‘forgotten activity’ after finding 30% of public pools are likely to stay closed for another six months due to the cost of reopening facilities.

It said that only a fifth of local authority-owned facilities welcomed swimmers back to indoor pools on reopening day this weekend.

Jane Nickerson, chief executive of Swim England, said: ‘We face the real risk of swimming becoming a forgotten activity for so many people if public leisure centres open their gyms first and leave pools closed until next year.

‘Before the lockdown, 4.7 million people a month were swimming regularly. It is such a unique activity in that it offers huge physical and mental health benefits – and helps save the NHS and social care system more than £357m a year.’

Swim England is calling on the Government to provide financial support to the sector, arguing the savings to the NHS would more than recover the initial outlay.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Design Services

Lincolnshire County Council
£77,536 - £83,366
You will lead the delivery of a high-performing Technical Services Partnership (TSP). Lincolnshire
Recuriter: Lincolnshire County Council

Director of Adult Social Care Operations

Manchester City Council
£111,669 – £123,071
Manchester is a city that defines innovation, energy and ambition. Manchester, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Manchester City Council

Director of Commissioning and Transformation

Manchester City Council
£111,669 – £123,071
Manchester is a city that defines innovation, energy and ambition. Manchester, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Manchester City Council

Strategic Director of Adult Social Services (DASS)

Manchester City Council
£143,836 – £164,909
Manchester is a city that defines innovation, energy and ambition. Manchester, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Manchester City Council

Chief of Staff

Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk
up to £126,615
We’re transforming services with ambition and community at the heart of our work. Norfolk
Recuriter: Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk
Linkedin Banner