Pressure Grows on Swimming Policy

The DESC is facing increasing calls to offer parity for all islanders and support local pools in enabling families to their use facilities for free.

A five-month scheme at the NSC will get underway on Monday October 31, allowing school children will not be charged to swim on weekdays, between 4.30pm and 7pm.

After several MHKs from around the island told Gef of their disappointment at children and families in their constituencies being left behind by the gov, Rushen MHK Dr Michelle Haywood has added her voice to those calling for equality across the island.

Dr Haywood said: ‘I agree with my colleagues comments so far. It seems unfair, and for those that would really benefit, the cost of travelling to Douglas will present a barrier.  So this move really does thumb its nose at the residents who live near the regional pools.

‘I would also like to observe that the DESC puts a considerable subvention into the regional pools, which is then supplemented by the local authority ratepayers.  So a mechanism already exists for DESC to contribute to the running of the pools and thus to fund ‘free sessions’, however it would appear they have chosen not to offer this route.

‘I welcome any increased access to swimming pools and think it’s an incredibly good idea, but after calls for free bus travel for children were rejected, it’s hard to see how struggling families will access this initiative unless they live in Douglas.’

Ramsey

Juan McGuinness is a Ramsey Commissioner and the chair of the Northern Local Authorities Swimming Pool Board, has also criticised the policy, telling Manx Radio that having one all-Island initiative is a ‘missed opportunity’.

The DESC has previously responded to criticism by saying: ‘‘The department does not determine how Regional Pools programme their pool or allocate their budget, so any decision would need to be considered by their respective Board. 

‘A policy decision was taken that the NSC had the space and capacity to help and make a difference on quieter term-time evenings. There are no additional costs to the NSC to run this initiative as the pool is heated, water treated, and lifeguards employed no matter how many children attend. The expenditure costs are fixed.’