Help fight pool threat
SCUBAHUB
BSAC IS ENCOURAGING ITS MEMBERS , clubs , centres , and everyone who uses a pool , to get behind Swim England ’ s # SaveOurPools campaign .
The UK ’ s swimming pools are under threat because of soaring energy prices . Many are already reducing their opening hours , and in some cases , pools are closing .
To address the situation , Swim England has launched a campaign called # SaveOurPools to raise awareness and ensure the Government provides additional support for swimming pools and leisure centres .
BSAC Chief Executive Mary Tetley said that getting behind the # SaveOurPools campaign meant BSAC members could help protect facilities that are an essential part of local communities .
“ Access to pools enables people to be active and improve their physical and mental wellbeing . During an affordability crisis when the Government talks about the importance of physical activity , it is crucial there is support in place to keep swimming pools open and prevent these community facilities closing for good .
“ BSAC is urging our network of members , clubs and centres to support Swim England ’ s campaign and apply pressure to the government to tackle this important issue .”
How BSAC members can help There are a number of ways to help fight for our pools .
Write to your MP Download Swim England ’ s template letter from swimming . org / swimengland / saveourpools / and send to your MP asking them to lobby the Prime Minister , calling for the Government to # SaveOurPools . If you ’ re not sure who your MP is , use the TheyWorkForYou checker at theyworkforyou . com
Tweet the Chancellor and Business Secretary The Government recently published the list of industries they will provide with extra help with their energy bills - and swimming pools were not included . Swim England have created several social posts that you could use on your channels to encourage the Government to rethink this disastrous decision . You can copy the tweets from the Swim England website .
For more information on Swim England go to www . swimming . org
Struggling with pool access ? We may be able to help organise pool sharing with another club near yours . Contact BSAC on + 44 ( 0 ) 151 350 6200 or email info @ bsac . com
BIUPC splashes down in August
BSAC IS ONCE AGAIN SUPPORTING THE British and Irish Underwater Photography Championship ( BIUPC ), which takes place on 26 August 2023 .
A twist on the traditional one-day ‘ splash-in ’ photo competitions , BIUPC 2023 enables participants to enter images from anywhere around the UK and Republic of Ireland during a 24-hour period on Saturday , 26 August . This means the competition includes a far wider range of locations , photographers , and images , with the opportunity for accessibility so more people able to take part .
This year ’ s competition has three categories - Wide-Angle ; Close-Up ; and Human Impact on the Marine and Freshwater Environment .
Judges for the 2023 BIUPC are Damien McGuirk and SCUBA editor , Simon Rogerson ; the overall BIUPC Champion 2023 will receive the coveted Peter Scoones Trophy .
BIUPC organizer Nick Watson said he was delighted to be partnering with BSAC again to help create a “ snapshot of the UK ’ s beautiful waters over one day ”.
“ I ’ d like to encourage as many BSAC members as possible to enter , and for BSAC to use images that entrants are willing to share for the greater good , especially from our ‘ Human Impact on the Marine and Freshwater Environment ’ category .”
This year ’ s competition has three categories - Wide-Angle ; Close Up ; and Human Impact on the Marine and Freshwater Environment .
BSAC members can enter BIUPC 2023 at a discounted rate of £ 10 . You can find out more about BIUPC 2023 at bsoup . org . uk / competitions
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