The Swimming Alliance calls for a fresh approach

The Swimming Alliance has called on the new government to put sport, recreation, and physical activity at the heart of its mission to promote health and well-being and address inequalities

Key players from within the UK’s swimming sector have come together for the first time to ​form a new group to tackle common challenges facing the sector.

The aim of the Swimming Alliance is to offer a single, cohesive voice on crucial issues affecting public ​swimming pools and open water spaces across the UK and to develop solutions that can be ​implemented by all those involved.

Initially convened by Sport England, the founding members of the Swimming Alliance represent ​the diversity of the sector and include leisure operators, National Governing Bodies, charities ​and membership organisations.

A number of key issues have already been identified following a survey by Alliance members ​and include: increasing learning to swim and participation levels amongst adults and children, ​tackling the impact of energy prices on municipal pools, increasing the use of swimming for ​health initiatives, ensuring that open water is safe and clean for outdoor swimmers and ​increasing diversity at all levels of swimming.

Since the forming of the new government, the Swimming Alliance has released the following statement:

The physical and mental health crisis facing the country is significant and impacts our society in many ways, from affecting well-being, putting pressure on the National Health Service, and creating recruitment and retention challenges for business.

A wealth of evidence shows that swimming and other physical activities should be recognised and leveraged as part of the solution. We know that regular physical activity can transform the lives of millions, leading to a healthier nation, a more productive workforce and helping tackle inequalities. Thus, a coordinated approach to promoting physical activity and swimming should be integral to Government policy, embedded in local place partnerships and supported by investment.

The Swimming Alliance’s chair Debbie Kaye said: “A change of government provides an opportunity for a fresh approach. The Swimming Alliance comprises many of the major bodies involved in the sport and has potential to be a powerful force for change. We are ready to work with Government to tackle these issues and be part of the solutions.”

Find out more about the Swimming Alliance at theswimmingalliance.org