Final chance to sign the #SaveOurPools Petition

Please sign the petition

Final chance to sign the #SaveOurPools Petition

Back in April we launched a petition 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. At the time of writing, we have reached over 7,670 signatures and the Petition is being considered by the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee at its meeting on 14 June 2023.

As a reminder of why we want the value of swimming pools recognised, and the need for financial relief to help keep them open, we acknowledge the following:

• Local Authorities and Leisure Trusts who operate the majority of the pools we access are really struggling financially
• The conversations we are having suggest that operators don’t want to reduce hours or consider closing pools – they know it’s not in the best interests of local communities but financially many have and are considering doing so as a last resort
• Our focus has been in seeking support from government to release financial support for pool operators in the short term, and also funding to the longer term in future sustainability measures for pools/
• We highlighted the health, wellbeing and sporting value of pools at a Parliamentary reception in March (https://youtu.be/6BHFBAWqD1Q) many volunteers, coaches, committee member and athletes were in attendance along with MSPs from all parties gaining cross party support for the #SaveOurPools campaign.
• Subsequently MSPs have sought a debate to be held in parliament over the future of swimming pools and the need to save pools.
• Additionally Scottish Swimming were invited back to Holyrood by Labour MSPs to discuss their support for the campaign.
• Still yet we have only had 7,670 signatories to our Petition – this is seeking nationwide support in recognising the value of pools up and down the country – it may not be affecting you directly but we need your support. The Petition has already provoked a response from the relevant committee asking for more information.
• Ultimately decisions are made locally, and while we have contacted all LA/Trust areas, it has been difficult to identify areas at risk, possibly as people,s jobs may be at risk. Its local politicians who will make the decisions and we have developed template letters for clubs to use in contacting local politicians and MSPs in seeking their support as and when needed. Someone in your club may well know the local politicians so please get in touch with them, there does seem to be cross party support for the need to save pools. A recent example of the effectiveness of local influence can been seen in Falkirk – “… a clear statement from our communities that they do not want to see a reduction in pools…”.
• While the challenges are real the value of pools and the need to maintain them has been evident during the first part of the calendar year with a very busy events diary across a number of sports – with venues coming alive, with fantastic atmosphere being created by the energy, enthusiasm and fun of many volunteers, participants and parents; likewise the desire to learn to swim is in high demand.
• Our sport is important, we need to Save Our Pools – please sign the petition and speak to your local councillors: SIGN THE PETITION and #SaveOurPools
• Thank you for your support,

• Euan Lowe

  Chief Executive, Scottish Swimming