STA, as a proud founding member of The Swimming Alliance, welcomes the recent Westminster Hall debate (4 June 2025) on government support for swimming facilities, recognising it as an important step toward addressing the urgent crisis facing aquatic infrastructure across the UK.

The debate brought widespread cross-party acknowledgement of the vital role swimming pools play in community wellbeing, education, public health and physical activity. Since 2010, more than 1,200 swimming pools have closed, and almost a quarter of local authorities now lack sufficient pool space to meet demand.

New analysis revealed during the debate shows that 76% of all publicly accessible water space lost in the past 15 years has disappeared since 2020 – highlighting a rapidly escalating crisis.

Debbie Kaye, Chair of the Swimming Alliance, said: “We are encouraged by the recognition in Parliament yesterday of the essential role swimming pools play in our society. From teaching children life-saving skills to supporting NHS rehabilitation services, swimming pools are not a luxury – they are a necessity for the health and wellbeing of the nation.”

The Swimming Alliance continues to call for urgent investment in leisure infrastructure, with two-thirds of facilities now operating beyond their intended lifespan. Without action, communities’ risk further closures, widening health inequalities and undermining the government’s drive to promote physical activity and wellbeing.

Swimming remains one of the UK’s most loved activities, enjoyed by 12.5 million adults annually. Pools support everything from family bonding and social cohesion to life-saving skills, rehabilitation, and the fight against preventable diseases.

During the debate, Minister for Sport Stephanie Peacock MP said: “We must… ensure that these spaces are both present and accessible as a key part of getting people active and thereby tackling health inequalities… We appreciate the huge contribution that publicly accessible sport and leisure facilities make to health and wellbeing.”

Dave Candler, CEO of STA, added: “STA is proud to be a founding member of The Swimming Alliance. Yesterday’s debate highlighted the vital role swimming pools play in our communities – not only for physical activity, but for public health, education and social connection. From teaching children how to be safe in the water to offering inclusive spaces for all ages and abilities, pools are an essential part of everyday life – and without them people will not be able to learn a key life skill.

However, we are at a critical point. Without strategic and sustained investment, more pools will close, and the consequences for community wellbeing and water safety will be severe. Collaboration between government and the sector is key to reversing this decline and building a sustainable future. That’s why we’re proud to stand with our Alliance partners and offer our full support to work with policymakers on long-term solutions.”

Read the full debate in Hansard here