An appeal has been made for more volunteers to come forward to help keep England’s highest open air heated pool operating.
At over 900ft above sea level, Shap Swimming Pool is popular with swimmers of all ages.
The fully enclosed pool is 16.5 metres long and falls to 1.5 metres at the deep end and first opened in 1987.
The seasonal pool is run by a committee made up of seven women who say they need more support to ensure it remains a popular attraction in the future.
Briony Newsome is the current chair.
“I learned to swim at Shap – in fact my mum as pregnant with me when it first opened,” she recalled.
While lifeguards at the pool are paid roles, everyone else involved in keeping the pool running is a volunteer. As well as serving as chair, Briony runs the pool’s pump room ensuring the water is clean and kept warm.
“We’re all committed to keeping the pool running but need more help – ‘many hands make light work’ – so we’re looking for more people to come and join us,” Briony said.
Roles include running the small show which brings in income as well as other jobs to maintain the much-loved pool, widely used by schools and community groups.
This year new filters are being installed with fundraising continuing to reach the £20,000 needed.
Businesses are being approached to ask if they would be willing to help with a longer-term plan to replace the pool’s lining.
With the pool’s 40th birthday on the horizon a new liner would improve energy efficiency and last for decades.
“We all love doing our bit and it’s a very social group – we just need more to join us and help keep the pool going so it can be enjoyed for years to come,” Briony said.
The pool will reopen for swimmers in May.
To contact the pool [email protected]
