Nearly 1,000 English public pools shut since 2010 as drownings hit record high
Almost a thousand public swimming pools in England have closed since 2010, leaving some areas without any facilities amid a summer that saw a record number of drowning deaths.
Research by one outlet reveals that 915 leisure centres across England have permanently closed since 2010, creating ten constituencies with no public swimming pool and leaving 126 voting areas with only one pool for thousands of residents. The trend coincides with a summer that produced a record 35 drowning deaths, prompting grieving parents such as Vanessa Abbess and Simon Haycock to call for urgent government action.
They argue that access to safe, lifeguarded pools is essential for teaching lifesaving skills. Specific closures include the Dewsbury and Batley pool, shut in 2024 after RAAC concrete was found, and Croydon South’s sole pool, closed since 2020. Swim England’s interim chief, Rebecca Cox, described the situation as a "tragedy" and urged investment in a sustainable pool network. In response, a government spokesperson cited a £400 million commitment to transform sports facilities over the next four years.
Why it matters
Pool closures limit access to swimming lessons, increasing drowning risk for communities across England.
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