BSAC is encouraging its members, clubs, centres, and everyone who uses a pool, to get behind Swim England’s #SaveOurPools campaign.
The UK’s swimming pools are under threat because of soaring energy prices. Many are already reducing their opening hours, and in some cases pools are closing. Without additional support from the government the outlook will only get worse.
To address the situation, Swim England have launched a campaign called #SaveOurPools to raise awareness and ensure the Government provides additional support for swimming pools and leisure centres.
Why pools matter
These facilities are crucial parts of local communities. Not only are they essential for our dive and snorkel training, they help support the health and happiness of the country, saving the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds. Pools are where millions of people learn how to swim and be safe in the water.
BSAC Chief Executive Mary Tetley said:
Access to pools enables people to be active and improve their physical and mental wellbeing. During an affordability crisis when the Government talks about the importance of physical activity, it is crucial there is support in place to keep swimming pools open and prevent these community facilities closing for good.
BSAC is urging our network of members, clubs and centres to support Swim England’s campaign and apply pressure to the government to tackle this important issue.
How BSAC members can help
There are a number of ways you can help fight for our pools.
Write to your MP
Download Swim England’s template letter and send to your MP asking them to lobby the Prime Minister, calling for the Government to #SaveOurPools. If you’re not sure who your MP is, use the TheyWorkForYou checker.
Tweet the Chancellor and Business Secretary
The Government recently published the list of industries they will provide with extra help with their energy bills - and swimming pools were not included in this list. Swim England have created a number of social posts that you could use on your channels to encourage the Government to rethink this disastrous decision:
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@Jeremy_Hunt @RishiSunak – Swimming pools are vital to the nation’s physical and mental health. Please give them the support they desperately need and add them to the ETII list #SaveOurPools @Jeremy_Hunt @RishiSunak – Please do the right thing and add swimming pools to the list of energy intensive industries. Without this support hundreds will close – a disaster for communities and the NHS #SaveOurPools @Jeremy_Hunt @RishiSunak – Swimming pools and leisure centres are particularly vulnerable to rising energy costs. They must be added to the list of energy intensive industries. #SaveOurPools @Jeremy_Hunt @RishiSunak– The decision to exclude swimming pools from the ETII list will see many pools shut their doors. It’s not too late to do the right thing and rethink. #SaveOurPools |
Struggling with pool access?
We may be able to help organise pool sharing with another club near yours. Contact BSAC on +44 (0)151 350 6200 or email info@bsac.com.
