PRESS RELEASE:
Number of UK Swimming Sites decreases by 0.7%
- 3% rise in public swim pay and play fees
The 2015 State of the UK Swimming Industry Report reveals that the UK swimming industry has experienced a third year of decline over the twelve month period to the end of March 2015, with a decrease of 0.7% in the number of swimming sites.
The 2015 report highlights that more than twice as many swimming pools have closed in the last 12 months as have opened. This is more marked in the private sector but is still seen in the public sector too.
The 2015 report concludes that 84% of the UK population lives within 2 miles of a public or privately owned swimming pool with some public access.
Summary of Key Facts
There are now 3,265 swimming sites in the UK, down from 3,287 last year.
22 new public and private swimming sites opened in the 12 month period ending 31st March 2015, up from 20 in 2014.
Public pay and play fees have increased by 3% over the last 12 months.
Commenting, David Minton, Director of The Leisure Database Company said: “The good news is that swimming remains the most popular sport in the country. The bad news, according to Sport England’s latest Active People figures, is that 245,000 fewer people are participating. With the official participation figures for swimming seeing a consistent decline, I wonder if this is a direct result of having fewer pools available”.
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Notes:
The State of the UK Swimming Industry Report is compiled from the most comprehensive review of the UK swimming industry, involving individual contact with all sites. The reporting period is the 12 months to 31st March 2015. The audit and resulting figures are compiled by independent leisure market analysts, The Leisure Database Company, who have been monitoring the performance of the fitness industry for over 30 years. Further details of the report can be found here 2015 State of the UK Swimming Industry Report.
Further Information:
The Leisure Database Company
The Leisure Database Company is a leading independent database specialist and market analyst. Established over 30 years ago, the company is contracted to Sport England and Sport Wales to maintain their respective Active Places databases covering over 20 types of sports and fitness facilities. The company also works with the major industry players providing member profiling reports, new site analysis and latent demand estimates.
Tel: 020 3585 1441