United Kingdom: Swimming Pool Closures
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
The GMB Trades Union (the Union) has warned that, as a result of the closure of 500 public swimming pools throughout the United Kingdom during the last ten years, young people are at risk of drowning.
The GMB National Officer, Kevin Brandstatter, remarked:
"Learning to swim is a basic life skill, splashing in a pool is a fundamental childhood joy - two things being potentially now denied to thousands of youngsters."
And added:
"Taken to its extreme, it leaves young people at risk of drowning.”
The Union and the Local Government Association are, therefore, calling for renewed funding to reverse this unfortunate trend.
It appears from a Study, conducted by the Union, that council-owned swimming pools have closed in London, West and East Midlands, the Southwest, Southeast and Northeast England, Yorkshire, Wales and Scotland.
Also, 60% of swimming pools are now beyond their expected lifespans or in need of refurbishment.
Local government finances in the UK are under severe pressure due to increased demand for services, such as social care, inflation, and years of underfunding, which has not kept pace with the growing population and rising costs.
In fact, several local councils, including Birmingham City Council, have declared themselves bankrupt.
A very sad state of affairs indeed!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
