In the wake of the recent UK heatwave, a group of 20 Labour MPs, along with the Fabian Society, are calling for a radical shift in how we think about public swimming spaces. Their proposal? To hold water companies accountable for funding the reopening of the country's lost lidos, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, can enjoy the benefits of outdoor swimming. This initiative is not just about nostalgia; it's about public health, social equality, and the preservation of a unique part of British cultural heritage.
The lido, a public outdoor pool, was once a staple of British summer life, envisioned as a way for everyone, from factory workers to aristocrats, to enjoy the benefits of clean water and physical activity. However, by the end of the 1980s, nearly two-thirds of these iconic pools had been derelict or demolished. The Tooting Bec lido, the biggest freshwater outdoor pool in the country, was saved from closure in the 1990s by the South London swimming club, which took over the less profitable winter management of the pool. This is a testament to the power of community action, but it also highlights the need for systemic change.
The proposed water bill, which would make water companies responsible for funding places for local people to swim, is a bold move. It raises a deeper question: how can we ensure that public amenities are accessible to all, and not just those who can afford them? The lido, with its inclusive history, offers a compelling answer to this question. It was designed to be a place where everyone could come together, regardless of their social or economic status, and enjoy the benefits of swimming.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for lidos to become a cornerstone of public health policy. Outdoor swimming is becoming increasingly popular as the climate heats up, and lidos offer a unique solution to the growing need for public health interventions. The nation's largest public swimming operator, Better, has confirmed that the summer of 2025 was the busiest it had ever seen for lidos and outdoor swim spots, with a 30% rise in swim visits between June and August 2025. This trend is not just a passing fad; it's a reflection of a growing awareness of the benefits of outdoor swimming for both physical and mental health.
However, the lido campaign is not without its challenges. Many councils have been left struggling to run these wonderful assets, and the proposed water bill is a rallying call for us to get behind lidos. These pools are a testament to how we did it in the past, and they show how we can be ambitious to create new lidos and reopen derelict ones. The MPs campaigning to bring back their lidos are doing more than just saving a swimming space; they are advocating for a more equitable and healthy future for their communities.
In my opinion, the proposed water bill is a step in the right direction, but it's just the beginning. We need to think about how we can make lidos a sustainable part of our public health infrastructure, and how we can ensure that they are accessible to all. This raises a deeper question: how can we create a society where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of outdoor swimming, and where public amenities are not just a privilege for the few, but a right for all?
