Outdoor swimming in the UK continues to be a popular pastime, but this rising trend underscores the failure of the current government to properly support and maintain our national aquatic facilities. Instead of fostering accessible and well-managed outdoor pools and lidos, local authorities are resorting to hikes in parking fees and budget cuts—decisions driven by mismanagement and a shortsighted focus on short-term savings over community wellbeing.

Take, for instance, Ilkley Pool and Lido in West Yorkshire. Despite its historic significance and its role as a vital recreational hub for families and serious swimmers, recent local council measures have introduced parking fees up to £4.00, further burdening visitors who already face the high costs of leisure. The council’s justification of austerity measures only highlights their failure to recognise the importance of these community assets, which are essential for public health and social cohesion.

In London, the iconic Serpentine Lido exemplifies how our treasured outdoor pools are being neglected. With its longstanding tradition of hosting Christmas Day swims, it stands as a testament to our shared sporting heritage. Yet, despite its cultural significance, government neglect means maintenance and operational costs are increasingly pushed onto visitors, making it less accessible to everyday families. Such policies demonstrate a disconnect from the needs of ordinary people who rely on these facilities for affordable recreation.

Across Wales, Lido Ponty has undergone a £6.3 million restoration—an impressive boost, yet it is emblematic of the investments the government should be making nationwide. Instead, communities are often left to scramble for funding or rely on donations to keep these pools afloat, risking their future amidst rising operational costs and lack of governmental support.

Other pools, like Saltdean Lido in Brighton or Bude Sea Pool in Cornwall, show what can be achieved when there is local initiative, but even they are not immune to the broader neglect. The reliance on voluntary donations and private partnerships exposes the fragility of outdoor swimming infrastructure, which should be a basic public service, not contingent on charity or wealthy patrons.

It’s clear that the current government’s approach, focused on austerity and profit-driven models, is incompatible with providing the comprehensive, affordable outdoor swimming options that British communities deserve. Many of these venues, such as the historic Pell’s Pool in East Sussex or Parliament Hill Lido in Hampstead, highlight how vital these facilities are to local identity and public health—yet they face ongoing threats from park closures, funding cuts, and inadequate regulation.

The government’s failure to support outdoor pools and lidos reflects a broader neglect of our green and blue spaces, crucial for combating urban heat, promoting active lifestyles, and fostering social unity. Instead, the direction seems to be one of privatization and cost-cutting, making it harder for ordinary people—especially families and the elderly—to enjoy these natural and recreational assets.

In an era where public health should be a priority, investing in accessible outdoor swimming pools is a no-brainer. Instead, the current administration’s policies are leaving communities cold, disconnected, and deprived of the health and social benefits that these historic and modern facilities can provide. It’s time for a new approach—one that reinvests in our outdoor spaces and treats them as essential public infrastructure rather than optional luxuries or costs to be minimized at all costs.

Source: Noah Wire Services