Swim England welcomes report exposing urgent crisis facing nation’s swimming pools

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Swimming has today published the findings of its report  ‘The Deep End’, examining the escalating crisis facing Britain’s swimming pool network and a clear call to government for long term, strategic intervention.

Commissioned to identify the structural, financial and operational challenges affecting swimming pools across the country, the report draws from a comprehensive call for evidence across the sector.

More than 200 written submissions were received from operators, membership bodies, governing bodies, clubs and individual members of the aquatic community.

The report shows that the UK’s swimming pool estate is ageing fast and becoming unsustainable without urgent action.

More than 1,200 pools are over 40 years old, past their expected lifespan and hundreds of pools have already been lost, limiting access for communities already struggling with few local swimming options.

At the same time, costs continue to rise. Energy prices remain nearly double pre-pandemic levels, staffing costs are increasing, and ageing buildings often require more maintenance.

Many councils now face a financial black hole, forcing difficult choices between keeping pools open or cutting other services.

To address these challenges, the report calls for Government to:

• Deliver a funded, long-term strategy for aquatic facilities.
• Prioritise sustainable, energy efficient, modern design to reduce operating costs and environmental impact.
• Guarantee school swimming and water safety, ensuring all children leave primary school with essential life-saving skills.
• Formalise the role of pools in public health, by expanding social prescribing and co-locating NHS services within leisure facilities.

The report also highlighted the positive impact strategic investment can make with improved environmental and economic performance from newer facilities.

Andy Salmon, CEO of Swim England responded to the launch, saying, “This report lays bare the scale of the challenge our sector faces, but it also provides a clear, achievable plan for securing a sustainable future for Britain’s swimming pools.

“Swimming is not a luxury; it is a life‑saving skill, a cornerstone of public health, and a vital community asset.

“We urge the Government to act on these recommendations and commit to a long‑term strategy that protects and rebuilds the aquatic infrastructure our communities so urgently need.

“A positive immediate action would be to direct the £400 million investment announced for grassroots sport to support our pools and leisure centres.”