How Important Are Local Swimming Pools?

EB Health & Leisure

As a health and leisure charity based in Cheshire East, we seek to make participation in any activity an enduring habit from the earliest years to later life. Our vision is to help people to live well and for longer by providing ‘Leisure for Life’.

Published: April 8th 2024

Category: Cardiovascular Training, Exercising with Health Conditions

How Important Are Local Swimming Pools?

Local swimming pools are like the unsung heroes of our communities, quietly playing a crucial role in keeping us safe, healthy and happy. These aquatic havens offer so much more than just a place to splash around – they’re where we learn important skills, build muscles, make friendships and treasure memories.

A new report has highlighted the important role pools, leisure centres and gyms can play in helping to ease the pressure on the NHS. “Statistics previously published by Swim England show that swimming helps to save the health and social care system more than £357 million a year – as being active in the water can help prevent and treat, a number of physical and mental health conditions.” – pretty incredible right?

(Source: New report shows important role pools can play to ease pressure on NHS)

Benefits of local swimming pools:

1.    Buoyant Workout

2.    Learn an Important Life Skill

3.    Mood Booster

4.    Family Friendly Places

5.    Improves Peoples Health

Buoyant Workout

Hey, have you ever stopped to think about when was the last time you just went for a swim? It’s not only a great workout that’s gentle on your joints but also amazing for your heart health and flexibility. Just imagine the benefits of diving into the pool regularly – it’s like giving yourself a refreshing treat while taking care of your body at the same time! The buoyancy of water reduces the impact on joints, making it an ideal exercise for those recovering from injuries or dealing with mobility issues.

Learn an Important Life Skill

Don’t forget swimming pools play a crucial role in teaching children essential water safety skills from an early age. These local pools serve as the perfect training grounds for kids to become confident and skilled swimmers, essentially transforming them into little fish who are comfortable and safe in the water. Through regular exposure to swimming pools, children can develop vital life-saving abilities that will stay with them throughout their lives.

Mood Booster

Hold up, there’s more to swimming than just getting fit. Swimming offers not only physical health benefits but also serves as a powerful mood booster. When you’re feeling stressed or low, immersing yourself in the pool can work wonders. With every stroke, you’ll sense your worries dissipating, allowing the calming nature of water to take over. It’s truly therapeutic, providing relief parallel to a therapy session, trust me…try it.

Family Friendly Places

You know what? Local swimming pools are more than just a place for serious laps or life-saving skills (which, by the way, are pretty awesome). They’re where families gather to have a blast together. Whether you’re lounging poolside outside on a scorching day or enjoying a Family Fun Swim, there’s something for everyone at community swimming pools.

Improves Peoples Health

Swimming not only has physical benefits but also positively impacts mental health. The rhythmic nature of swimming, along with the calming properties of water, creates a serene environment that nurtures relaxation and reduces stress. It is known to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, enhance mood, improve overall well-being, sleep quality and cognitive function. The combination of physical activity and relaxation in water triggers the release of endorphins – our body’s natural feel-good chemicals.

The next time you cruise by your nearby swimming spot, don’t forget to give it a little nod of gratitude. These secret gems are more than meets the eye – they offer us important life skills, help us stay in shape, connect with others and keep those smiles on our faces all year round. Let’s show them some love because they really do make our communities awesome places to call home!

To find out more about Everybody’s swimming offer visit here.

Useful Links:

Reference:

      Swim England https://www.swimming.org/swimengland/ukactive-report-welcomed/ (2022)