afPE response to Swim England, the Swimming Teachers Association and Swim Wales statement

afPE believes it is the right of every child to be able to be safe in and around water. Not only is it a statutory entitlement of the National Curriculum PE Programme of study for primary age children it is also an important life skill for  children and young people to have. In addition we are delighted that the new Government is committed to ensuring all C&YP have access to quality PE and school sport. Therefore any schools planning on siting a temporary ''pop up'' pools on their school site during the next academic year will need to take note of the issues raised in the statement. We would advise all schools with an existing contract to review processes and consult and address the following areas in partnership with your pool provider:

Safety Concerns: Address the specific safety issues associated with the use of temporary “pop up” swimming pool lessons?

Compliance Requirements: Ensure the key health and safety guidelines that temporary pools must meet to be considered safe for use have been addressed and processes are documented?

Accessibility Issues: How are you accommodating students with specific access needs?

Recommendations: We are anticipating further information from Swim England, the Swimming Teachers Association, and Swim Wales to support schools who have committed to a ''pop up'' pool 2024-2025 and the steps they will take to support improvements in the safety and design of temporary pools?

To read Swim England, the Swimming Teachers Association and Swim Wales statement on the use of temporary “pop up” swimming pools, click here.

For afPE's Health and Safety advice on Pop Up Pools, read more here.