“Government needs to act” after 500 swimming pools lost since 2010

The increasing pace of swimming pool closures across the UK shows that the government needs to act swiftly to ensure even more communities aren’t left without vital spaces for physical activity and social connection.

Two industry bodies, Swim England and ukactive, have raised concerns after research revealed that more than 500 swimming pools have been forced to close permanently since 2010.

Even more worryingly, the rate of closures is increasing rapidly, with 76% of the publicly accessible water space lost in the past 15 years having disappeared since 2020. With increasing financial pressures, ageing facilities and rising operational costs, many more pools and leisure centres are at risk of closure over the next few years.

The lack of pools is already having direct, negative results. According to Sport England’s latest Active Lives Children and Young People survey for the 2023-24 academic year, 30% of children in Year 7 are unable to swim 25m competently, confidently and proficiently, a statistic that has risen from 27% in 2017-18.

ukactive and Swim England are now urging the Government to provide support for swimming pools and leisure centres as part of the Spending Review.

The bodies are also calling for the Government to provide a comprehensive strategy for the future of gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres, that supports their renewal and growth so they can play their fullest role in boosting the economy and reducing health inequalities.

They claim that, without targeted support, the loss of water space across the UK will likely continue to accelerate, further impacting public health, wellbeing and local economies as people struggle to access facilities.

Andy Salmon, CEO of Swim England, said: “For those living with health conditions who may struggle to be active on land, access to pools can be life-changing.”