Swim England Clarifies its Position on the Use of Pop-Up Pools

Swim England has clarified its position on pop-up pools following a rise in the popularity of their use.

Temporary pools are being used at dozens of sites across the country to help deliver school swimming lessons and water safety sessions.

That has prompted the national governing body to highlight key health and safety aspects which must be fully considered before a pop-up pool is used – in a bid to ‘foster a secure and enjoyable environment for individuals of all ages engaging in swimming activities’.

School swimming and water safety lessons are part of the national curriculum and play an important role in helping children become water competent.

In specific circumstances, where access to pre-existing water space is not available, then temporary pools can offer a route to expanding opportunities for aquatic engagement – which Swim England supports.

However, when using a temporary pool the safety and wellbeing of pool users must remain the primary importance.

Consideration should be given to whether a temporary pool can facilitate the development of all the necessary skills to meet the curriculum requirement for safe self-rescue before commissioning such a pool.

afPE Health & Safety:

"We are pleased Swim England have produced a briefing note on pop-up pools. This guidance is helpful to all schools as there are a number of factors a headteacher must carefully consider as part of any decision-making process regarding the placing of a temporary pool on their school site."