World Aquatics concerned about swimming pool closures and restrictions

January 13, 2023

Aquatics / Events / Finance /

Following a series of recent closures and restrictions and restrictions at swimming pools around the world, notably as a result of elevated energy costs, World Aquatics has expressed its concern and reaffirmed its support for the efforts of its member federations, as the aquatics community works to spread the benefits of regular participation.

Speaking today, World Aquatics President, Husain Al-Musallam advised "World Aquatics is deeply proud of the way our sports bring together hundreds of millions of people every week, united by water in improving their health, living better lives and enjoying sport

“But these advantages can only be fully enjoyed when there is proper access to the right facilities.”

“We are concerned that in some places access is already being restricted - especially by swimming pool closures, reduced opening hours and big increases in entry prices. This negative impact goes far beyond the regular swimming pool users who are training for competition and is especially troubling when it affects the ability of young people to learn an essential life skill. Swimming pools represent a special opportunity for physical activity and sport, for the very young to the very old. These facilities are deserving of special support."

European Aquatics (LEN) President, António José Silva added "across Europe, the lockdowns of the pandemic meant that tens of millions of children already missed the chance to learn to swim at a time in their lives when this would normally happen.

“For too many communities, those closures have extended straight into a new period without access or with restricted access to swimming pools. Ours is a unique sport that can do more than improve lives - it can save them. Alongside World Aquatics, we are determined to help our member federations to generate the support that is needed to keep swimming pools open.”

On 13th February LEN and its member federations will meet online to discuss shared approaches to this issue, including communications, the sharing of best practices and European Union resources.

In addition to supporting its member federations as they work to ensure access to existing swimming pools, World Aquatics and its partners remain committed to further improvements aimed at enhancing environmental stewardship.

One example is seeing World Aquatics partner Myrtha Pools working with ACOR Consultants in Sydney on an ongoing analysis and comparison of pool construction techniques and their impact on the environment.

For Olympic-size pools, Myrtha Pools products can reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with water recirculation and filtration by as much as 45% over historical construction methods.

Paris' Olympic Aquatic Centre, one of only two permanent sports venues being built for the 2024 Olympic Games, has been designed entirely with sustainability in mind.

With greatly-reduced energy requirements, it will feature a combined heat pump and filtration unit. Meanwhile, a 5,000 metre² solar installation on the roof will fully power the whole site. The building is being constructed of wood from FSC-certified European forests, and the interior design is based on recycled products made in France.

With thanks to World Aquatics Communication Department.

Images: Emptied and abandoned pool (top, credit Shutterstock) and an architect's concept for the Paris 2024 Olympic Aquatic Centre (below, credit: Paris 2024).

20th December 2022 - World Aquatics President thanks organisers of Short Course Championships for ‘superb event’

15th December 2022 - New report reveals state of Victoria’s aquatic industry

12th December 2022 - International swimming’s FINA approves adoption of new World Aquatics branding and new constitution

2nd November 2022 - Royal Life Saving report shows up to 40% of Australia’s pools may need substantial upgrade or replacement by 2030

30th October 2022 - Feature introduces implications of the Passivhaus standard for Australian and New Zealand aquatic facilities

21st October 2022 - Piscine Global Europe to present solutions to reduce energy bills for pool running costs

21st October 2022 - Royal Life Saving report shows need for nation to catch up missed swimming lessons

27th September 2022 - Renewable Energy Agency highlights significance of heat pumps at Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre

13th September 2022 - Webinar to explain energy-saving benefits of heat pumps in aquatic centres

7th September 2022 - South Australian Government reveals site for new Adelaide Aquatic Centre

2nd August 2022 - Maryborough Outdoor Pool will not reopen until rebuild funding secured

29th July 2022 - Ageing infrastructure results in the permanent closure of Eagleby Aquatic Centre

1st July 2022 - City of Canterbury Bankstown to sacrifice ageing Wran Leisure Centre

21st June 2022 - Myrtha Pools to support FINA’s Pools for All Program

17th June 2022 - Energy uncertainty to impact aquatic centre operations?

26th March 2022 - Rockhampton Regional Council commits to redevelopment of ageing Mount Morgan Aquatic Centre

22nd December 2021 - Myrtha Pools extends FINA partnership for four more years

4th May 2015 - Outdoor seasonal pools under ongoing threats

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.