The Daily Telegraph - Features
How pool closures could ruin your summer hols
Several factors are putting current services under threat, says Emma Beaumont
For many families, the summer holiday is a chance for children to put new-found swimming skills to the test in the Med for the first time, or in a hotel pool. However, several factors have combined to leave children less equipped to enjoy themselves safely in the water this year. Many British swimming pools were closed during the pandemic, which led to fewer children receiving lessons; rising energy bills are putting current services under threat; and now a lack of lifeguards and a chlorine shortage are reducing the opportunities for new swimmers to enhance their skills. The RLSS (Royal Life Saving Society UK) has warned that we could see more drownings as people opt for less safe sea swimming on holidays instead.
WHAT ARE THE THREATS FACING BRITAIN’S SWIMMING POOLS?
The steep rise in energy prices is the key factor, with estimates suggesting that the cost of heating Britain’s pools will rise from £500 million in 2019 to £1.5 billion this year.
A recent survey from UKActive found ound that 85 per cent of public pool operators ors said they would ould be forced to o reduce their r services during ring the next six months due e to rising running ing costs. Meanwhile, 63 per cent said d they would be likely kely to cut staff numbers. mbers.
UKActive e chief executive Huw Edwards said: “The operators are really struggling. They have been trying to put a plaster on this over the past couple of months. But the reality is they can’t see a way through this unless there is government intervention.”
A national chlorine shortage is compounding the problem. Several of the country’s most popular lidos have already issued warnings that they may have to close.
The popular Portishead Lido told its patrons: “We are conserving the chlorine we have to make it last as long as possible, but due to the uncertainty of the situation we have reluctantly made the decision to halt the sale of season tickets for 2022.”
There are also fears that a national lifeguard shortage could force pools to reduce their hours or shut. Jo Talbot, commercial director at the RLSS, told The Daily Telegraph: “We work with 3,000 swimming pools and almost every swimming pool is struggling to recruit lifeguards.” She blames long pool closures during lockdown for leading qualified lifeguards to move on to other sectors.
ARE LIFEGUARD L SHORTAGES SH AFFECTING A BEACHES?
With pools under threat of closure, c many will head for the coast instead. However, day-trippers da and holidaymakers holi should shoul be aware that lifeguard lifeg shortages are ar also affecting some of Britain’s beaches. While the most visited stretches of sand in holiday favourites such as Cornwall are adequately staffed, local RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) representatives on the North Yorkshire Coast have said they are still looking to fill a number of roles in popular spots such as Bridlington.
Lifeguards are back on key Pembrokeshire Coast beaches, but local supervisor Peter Rooney has reminded visitors to plan their trips carefully.
“RNLI lifeguards play a vital role in keeping beach visitors safe, but they can’t be everywhere. This is why we’re asking people to come prepared before you head to the beach; before the start of your day, take a few minutes to check local information such as tide times and the weather.”
HOW CAN I STAY SAFE WHEN VISITING THE BEACH?
The RNLI has issued reminders on how to stay safe at the coast this summer. Gabbi Batchelor, water safety education manager at the organisation, highlighted the importance of choosing a lifeguard-patrolled beach and paying attention to safe swimming zones. “To help stay safe, we’d encourage people to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. It’s important to remember to swim between those flags because lifeguards put them on the safest stretch of water and patrol this area.”
The RNLI also advises that if you see someone else in trouble, you should never attempt the rescue yourself but rather alert a lifeguard or call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.