Arbed Nofio

Before COVID-19 struck in March 2020, Swim Wales recorded that 500,000 people across Wales were accessing swimming pools every week for a wide range of aquatic activity. 

These activities included - Learn to Swim lessons, School Swimming (drowning prevention) Public Health & Fitness Swimming, Club Swimming, Competitions, Galas and Events not to mention Wales National Squad preparation for the 2020 Olympics and 2022 Commonwealth Games. 

The closure of nearly 400 pools across Wales (for 5 months) meant that this healthy activity came to a sudden stop. Pools re opened with restrictions on 10th August but the resulting financial implications across local authorities, Trusts and operators is huge and puts the future of these facilities at risk. If these facilities close, then the significant contribution swimming makes to the national health and well being agenda in this country is compromised - forever.