FIFTH Movement and Swim:ED acknowledges the statement from Swim England, the Swimming Teachers Association and Swim Wales regarding pop-up swimming pools.
Schools are finding it increasingly difficult to access traditional swimming provision. For many, it has become unfeasible. We believe that pop-up pools can broaden engagement opportunities and save lives.
Our absolute priority is and has always been to create a safe and secure environment, allowing children to become confident, competent, and safe in the water. With over one million children expected to leave primary school between 2021-22 and 2025-26 unable to swim 25m, safe, impactful, and innovative programmes that complement traditional swimming programmes are essential.
Since the inception of the Swim:ED programme in 2023, following a successful project led by Active Black Country we have engaged approximately 5,500 primary school-aged children nationwide. The assessments have consistently demonstrated significant improvements in children’s swimming and water safety, a testament to the success of the Swim: ED programme. This success has been widely recognised and celebrated by numerous schools and various media outlets nationwide, including BBC, ITV and Sky, highlighting our efforts and successes in improving children’s water safety and swimming skills. As a result, the demand for Swim:ED has soared.
In addition to our work with schools, we have engaged with academic institutions to research and investigate the broader impact of Swim:ED (e.g. school attendance, children’s psychological changes, behaviour, etc), and with leisure facilities to raise awareness and understanding of how pop-up pool programmes can encourage more families to participate in swimming activities.
The Swim:ED programme is managed correctly. We distinguish ourselves from other pop-up pool providers, some of whom have been established unchallenged for many years. We consistently strive to maintain relationships with key organisations in the swimming community, including Swim England, RLSS (Royal Life Saving Society) and PWTAG consultants, ensuring that the Swim:ED programme and our operations meet the highest standards of safety and effectiveness.
Since the inception of Swim:ED, we have consistently upheld an open-door policy with all organisations dedicated to improving water safety and swimming education. Over recent months, we have liaised with PWTAG and hosted numerous site visits for health and safety officers from local authorities nationwide to review our provision and shape guidance for pop-up pool operators. This has been instrumental in ensuring our environments remain safe for all participants.
While our efforts thus far have aligned with the practical and possible standards set by Swim England, RLSS, and PWTAG for the pop-up pool environment, we recognise that meeting these standards is a continuous process. There is no regulation and limited guidance for providers of pop-up pools but over the past 24 months, we have been proactive in driving safety and standards for pop-up pool operators, providing thousands of children the opportunity to learn a vital life skill, many of whom would not have had this opportunity due to many schools finding it increasingly difficult to access traditional swimming lessons.
Like all innovations, improvements are required to ensure expectations are met. When children with additional needs cannot access our provision, we work closely with schools before the provision to ensure alternative arrangements are made. Our unique assessment and reporting tool has provided schools with the evidence they require to demonstrate children’s attainment, a feature that schools report is often missing or inadequate in traditional swimming provisions.
We adhere to the guidance on bather loads in the pool and mitigate the risk of waterborne pathogens by following stringent water maintenance protocols, including time-stamped two-hourly quality checks and filtration system cleaning and maintenance. In addition to following PWTAG testing guidance, we are enhancing microbiological testing at all sites in the upcoming academic year.
Security of the pool facility has been a concern for schools. However, implementing high-quality modular structures built by experts, including anchoring in line with industry compliance, robust steel frames, and lockable doors, alleviates school concerns. In addition, we also include motion sensor cameras, an emergency alarm and other security protocols, which have proven incredibly effective.
With regard to in–water emergencies, casualty extraction and speedy pool evacuation, we have and always will liaise with RLSS to mitigate the risk and keep our Emergency Action Plan in line with expert advice and guidance.
This statement gives us the confidence that Swim:ED is operating in full compliance with the relevant health and safety guidance, is appropriately maintained and suitably risk assessed. We continue to offer the opportunity to children and schools.
Swim:ED continues to innovate and work closely with key stakeholders to improve provision and raise standards for all schools. We persist in setting and maintaining high standards that all pop-up pool providers can follow. Where improvements are identified, we engage with experts and key stakeholders to support and enhance the Swim:ED programme. We remain committed to improving our practices and contributing to developing comprehensive standards for pop-up pools. We assure you that we will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that Swim:ED leads the way in providing primary schools with a safe and impactful alternative to traditional swimming provision, allowing children to be confident, competent, and safe in the water.
We are deeply grateful to all the schools, partners, and stakeholders who have believed in Swim:ED and continue to support the programme. Your belief in our programme has been instrumental in its impact on thousands of children who can now swim safely. This statement enables the Swim:ED programme to improve and maintain our focus on where essential investment is required.
We look forward to continuing our work together in providing a safe and secure environment, that allows children to become confident, competent, and safe in the water.
