Primary School Children who are Able to Swim

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:45 pm on 14 May 2024.

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Photo of Sioned Williams Sioned Williams Plaid Cymru 1:45, 14 May 2024

Prif Weinidog, you've recognised this afternoon the importance of swimming and swimming lessons for all ages, but you will be aware that a number of pools in communities across Wales have closed, either due to revenue costs or because of their physical condition. This really is a question of access, I think. Pontardawe swimming pool in Neath Port Talbot is due to close in August because its life has expired after 50 years and its condition has deteriorated to the extent where it would be dangerous to continue operating. I'm glad that Neath Port Talbot council will be commissioning a feasibility study into building a replacement pool—refurbishment isn't an option. Will the First Minister state what existing funding support is available for the provision of swimming pools by local authorities and leisure trusts in Wales? What new capital funding can be made available to support the building of new and environmentally sustainable pools, which are essential for the health and well-being and safety, as you pointed out, of communities like those of Pontardawe and the Swansea and Aman valleys?