500 swimming pools lost since 2010

The increasing pace of swimming pool closures across the UK shows that the government needs to act swiftly to ensure even more communities aren’t left without vital spaces for physical activity and social connection.

Two industry bodies, Swim England and ukactive, have raised concerns after research revealed that more than 500 swimming pools have been forced to close permanently since 2010.

Even more worryingly, the rate of closures is increasing rapidly, with 76% of the publicly accessible water space lost in the past 15 years having disappeared since 2020.

ukactive and Swim England are now urging the Government to provide support for swimming pools and leisure centres.