Council Apologises Over Confusion Surrounding Penrith Swimming Club Review
Westmorland and Furness Council has apologised after admitting its communication about a review of beginner swimming lessons at Penrith Leisure Centre was unclear.
The review concerns the Learn to Swim programme operated by Penrith Swimming Club. It does not cover the club’s competitive swimming, talent development or other training sessions.
The council has also stressed that no final decision has been made about whether the club will be allowed to continue teaching beginners.
The clarification follows a strong reaction from local families and club members. More than 1,000 people have signed a petition supporting the historic swimming club.
What Caused the Dispute?
Members of Penrith Swimming Club reportedly received an email from leisure centre operator Greenwich Leisure Limited, known as GLL or Better, on 1 August.
The message stated that the club’s swimming teaching would not be allowed to restart.
Councillors were later told that the club had been delivering lessons without a formal agreement or contractual provision covering its Learn to Swim programme.
GLL had monitored the club’s use of the pool for around 10 to 12 weeks. The operator claimed the learner pool had been used without sessions being formally booked, creating additional lifeguarding and operational costs.
Penrith Swimming Club disputed this account and said it had not been told that its pool use was being monitored.
The club has been working with the council to formalise its arrangements since 2023. The council has now confirmed that the lack of a written agreement developed from historic arrangements and was not the fault of the club.
Council Apologises for Unclear Communication
Westmorland and Furness Council acknowledged the concern caused by references to safeguarding, qualifications, responsibilities and operational procedures.
It clarified that these were standard matters considered when reviewing leisure contracts. The authority said there was no suggestion of wrongdoing by Penrith Swimming Club or its volunteers.
In a statement, the council said: “We acknowledge that communication regarding this matter has not been as clear as it should have been.
“We apologise for any confusion about the scope of the review and for any misconceptions about the club’s current activities and practices that may have arisen as a result.”
The council also apologised for any distress caused by the terms used while discussing the review.
Which Swimming Sessions Are Under Review?
Only the club’s lessons for beginner swimmers are affected by the review.
There are no proposed changes to:
- Competitive swimming
- Talent development pathways
- Club-ready sessions
- The club’s use of the pools for these activities
The council said it wanted to ensure there was no threat to the future of Penrith Swimming Club.
However, the club has warned that its beginner lessons provide an important route into competitive swimming. It fears that removing this part of its programme could affect membership and the long-term sustainability of the wider organisation.
Why Is the Programme Being Reviewed?
GLL operates Penrith Leisure Centre on behalf of Westmorland and Furness Council. It is reviewing services as part of a wider attempt to standardise arrangements across its leisure centres.
The review will consider whether residents in Penrith and Eden are best served by:
- One beginner swimming programme operated by GLL; or
- Separate programmes provided by GLL and Penrith Swimming Club.
The council said the process would consider national guidance, governance responsibilities, access for disadvantaged groups and the quality of the swimming pathway available to young people.
Financial factors will also be considered. These include the effect any change could have on the swimming club and the viability of GLL’s existing programme.
If the club’s Learn to Swim programme continues, a formal Community Use Agreement is expected to be introduced.
What Happens Next?
Meetings involving Westmorland and Furness Council, GLL, Penrith Swimming Club and Swim England are due to take place during late August and September.
Swim England will support the talks and help ensure any future agreement follows national guidance.
There is currently no confirmed date for a final decision. Until the review is complete, the future of the club’s beginner swimming programme remains uncertain.
