Getting school children to swim 25 metres unaided and use a range of strokes is part of the national curriculum for PE in England. But the sad fact is fewer and fewer schools are managing to deliver this in full. Many schools no longer have on-site facilities, and the closure of community and council-run swimming pools mean travel time and costs have become prohibitive.
It's not just school children who are suffering - the State of the UK Swimming Industry Report 2025 warns of an alarming decline in pool provision, particularly in high-need areas. Ageing infrastructure, rising operational costs, energy pressures and staffing shortages are creating an increasingly unsustainable picture for local authorities and leisure operators alike.
Many of the UK’s public pools were built over 40 years ago and now require urgent modernisation. Their high energy use and inefficient systems not only drive up running costs but also contribute significantly to local government carbon emissions. Without investment in sustainable solutions, the loss of these facilities could have serious public health and community implications.
Despite the challenges, swimming remains the UK’s second most popular physical activity for adults and an essential life skill for children. Many schools still rely on community swimming pools for lessons, making them critical to meeting national curriculum requirements and water safety outcomes.
However, reduced access to swimming facilities has led to a marked decline in swimming ability among young people. The proportion of primary school children able to swim 25 metres is falling, while child drownings have increased, underlining the vital role of local pools in public health and safety education.
Innovation and investment are beginning to transform the sector. New projects show how swim facilities can act as anchors for urban regeneration, drawing visitors and supporting economic growth.
The newest generation of sustainable sports and leisure centres is showing that its possible to save energy and reduce running costs at the same time. Many are now being built to Passivhaus standards - a design approach that keeps buildings extremely well-insulated, airtight and efficient, so they use very little energy to heat or cool.
By using high quality insulation, heat recovery systems and renewable energy, Passivhaus leisure centres can cut energy use by up to 60%. This means they are greener to operate and much cheaper to run over their lifetime.
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) continues to play a vital role by funding upgrades such as solar arrays, air-source heat pumps and pool-water heat recovery systems. Combined with swimming pool refurbishment programmes, these measures can extend facility life while significantly reducing emissions and costs.
Digital transformation is also reshaping pool management. Smarter programming, lifeguarded assisted technology, energy monitoring and demand-led scheduling are helping operators optimise pool use, reduce downtime and manage staffing more effectively.
Evidence-based planning tools are now fundamental for delivering sustainable facility operations. For example, Swim England’s Aquatic Latent Demand Tool enables operators to access realistic participation levels and lesson potential within defined catchments, taking into account demographic profiles and socio-economic characteristics.
When aligned with wider supply and demand modelling and strategic planning, these insights lead to more compelling investment cases and more equitable local provision. This ensures that both new developments and refurbishment projects are targeted where they will generate the greatest impact and long-term community benefits.
Revitalising the UK’s community swimming pools requires the right skills and a joined-up approach. FMG Consulting works with local authorities and operators to create realistic, long-term plans that keep pools open, efficient and sustainable.
We support every step of the journey, from improving energy use and planning facilities to understanding local needs, setting programmes and developing strong business plans.
Whether you are developing a new pool facility or refurbishing an existing one, our evidence-led approach ensures your investment delivers clear social, environmental and financial benefits.
Explore FMG Consulting’s sustainable solutions to revitalise your community swimming pool, cut costs and future-proof water facilities for the next generation. Contact us today!
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