Under consideration PE2018: Recognise the value of swimming pools and provide financial relief to help keep pools open
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to help keep our swimming pools and leisure centres open by providing financial investment for pools
Previous action taken
We have the support of Fulton MacGregor MSP in relation to this matter who has confirmed his support for swimming, swimming pools and this petition.
We are in dialogue with sportscotland, Community Leisure Scotland and local authority and Leisure Trust partners who have made us aware of the increased energy costs and issues affecting pools specifically.
At a parliamentary reception on 29 March 2023, we highlighted the value of swimming pools and the importance of pools for safety, for communities and for the mental and physical health of Scotland’s population.
Background information
Swimming pools and leisure centres are under threat of closure. They are vital community hubs for the population of Scotland, not only as ‘water safety classrooms’ teaching children to swim, but for improving mental and physical wellbeing for all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
They support one of Scotland’s most successful sports and, pre-pandemic, one of the nation’s highest participation sports with 17% of the population swimming regularly in 2019.
Swimming pools host lessons for more than 100,000 children each week, as well as a variety of aquatic sports and water-based activities, all of which help keep the nation fit, healthy and active – an essential part of the nation’s post-pandemic recovery.
A November 2022 report by Community Leisure Scotland found that an alarming 95% of their members are at financial risk with 63% in discussions and planning around the impact of facility closures. While this is across all facilities, pools are among those with highest operating costs and are especially vulnerable.
7,643 signatures