This Summer, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will inspire millions watching across the nation to get active.
We have seen in the past how those medal-winning moments have proved to be a catalyst for people to take the plunge and learn to swim, encourage youngsters at clubs to dream of emulating their heroes or just reinvigorate folk to get back into an activity they once loved.
Sadly, for so many, they might struggle to find a place to go swimming, play water polo, enjoy the thrill of diving or take part in artistic swimming.
That’s due to facilities up and down the country shutting down or continuing to face the threat of closure.
It’s an issue which began during the Covid pandemic and exacerbated during the cost-of-living crisis as councils struggled to cope with rising energy bills.
More than 1,500 pools nationwide are now more than 40 years old and becoming unsustainable to run due to soaring costs.
It’s one of the reasons why around three-quarters of local authorities are forecast to be short of at least one swimming pool by 2030.
Statistics like these leave me – and everyone at Swim England – deeply saddened and flabbergasted in equal measure.
Deeply saddened because we want to see as many people as possible having access to pools so they can learn a vital life skill and enjoy the huge physical and mental health benefits being active in the water can bring.
Flabbergasted simply because it’s a no-brainer not to protect them at all costs due to the immense value they offer to the people and communities they serve – not to mention the hundreds of millions they help save the NHS and social are system every year.
Aquatic activity is a lifeline to so many who can’t exercise on dry land due to long-term health conditions, while it has helped reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression for 1.4 million people.
It has enriched the lives of so many simply because there is something for everyone when it comes to the water – no matter your age, background or ability.
That’s only possible, though, if people have a place to swim.
We have to be realistic about the scale of the challenge facing our pools.
The Government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund has been a welcome boost to leisure operators in recent months but, frankly, it’s not enough.
Long-term, there has to be increased investment into the new sustainable pools we need across the country.
Swimming pools are for everyone, from the cradle to the grave.
If we want to nurture the next generation of Olympic stars throughout our aquatic disciplines, then we need to ensure there are the facilities for them to realise their dreams.
