PWTAG

PWTAG Expert Webinar: Glass Filtration Media

Join Jimmy Lamb of Dryden Aqua on Thursday 10 September, 3pm–4pm, as he presents independent and in-house analysis comparing how different types of glass filtration media perform during filtration and backwashing.

Jimmy is a qualified engineer with more than 25 years’ experience in the swimming pool and spa water-treatment industry.

Can’t make the live event? You can still register and we’ll send you the recording afterwards.

Register here:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2699331190532810588

A PoolMark first for K Leisure

Congratulations to K Leisure Naas and K Leisure Athy, the first local authority swimming pools in Ireland to achieve PWTAG PoolMark accreditation.

The award independently recognises the high standards of pool operation, water quality, safety and management delivered by the teams every day.

Speaking at the presentation, the Leas-Chathaoirleach highlighted the important part leisure facilities play in creating healthier, happier and more connected communities, adding:

“This accreditation is not just something to celebrate today, but is also a commitment to the future.”

PWTAG Chair Mike Shuff added:

“This is an outstanding achievement and reflects the expertise, dedication and professionalism of everyone involved. Both teams should be very proud.”

Congratulations to everyone at K Leisure Naas and K Leisure Athy.

🏊 Pools in the News

New BBC research has highlighted a worrying gap in children’s swimming ability. While 72% of Year 6 pupils could swim 25 metres in 2024–25, this fell to just 55% in schools with higher numbers of disadvantaged children.

With swimming and self-rescue being vital life skills, the findings underline the importance of making lessons and pool access available to every child.

Read more: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyq5831981o

Three recent chemical incidents at pools in Tynemouth, Beckenham and Derby have resulted in closures and evacuations. In Derby, five adults and ten children were also taken to hospital.

A real reminder of just how important good staff training, safe chemical handling and the right procedures are in keeping everyone safe.
Read the full stories:

Tynemouth Pool:
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/tynemouth-pool-evacuated-chlorine-leak-34316536

The Spa at Beckenham:
https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/26262471.beckenham-road-beckenham--spa-closes-chemical-mix-incident/

Moorways Leisure Centre, Derby:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp3reyydw9do

Pools in the News

Moorways Sports Village and Water Park has reopened following a chlorine leak that resulted in 15 people being taken to hospital.

Read the full BBC News article:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp3reyydw9do

We’re really excited to be able to offer early bird ticket prices for the PWTAG Conference 2026!

It promises to be a fantastic day of expert speakers, practical insights and opportunities to connect with others from across the pool industry.

Secure your place at the early bird rate:

https://www.pwtag.org/pwtag-annual-conference-2026/

New leadership appointments at PWTAG

Following the PWTAG AGM, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Shuff as our new Chair and Simon Whittingham as Vice Chair.

Mike takes over from Ian Ogilvie, having previously served as PWTAG’s Vice Chair.

Mike has spent his whole career working in the sport, health, fitness and leisure industry and brings a huge amount of knowledge and hands-on experience to the role. He wrote several of the former ISRM qualifications, including the Operations Certificate, Small Pool Operators Certificate and Supervisory Management Certificate.

In 2011, Mike launched the Physical Activity and Leisure Management Academy (PALM Academy), which offers training courses and workshops across the industry. As Managing Director of Carlton Associates and PALM Academy, Mike continues to deliver training, qualifications and support for others working in the industry.

Mike said:

“I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed as Chair of PWTAG. PWTAG already holds a highly respected position within the swimming pool industry, both in the UK and internationally, and I’m looking forward to working with the Council and our members to continue building on the fantastic work already being done.”

Simon is a highly experienced swimming pool specialist with more than 30 years’ experience in the design and delivery of filtration and water treatment systems for the public swimming pool sector.

As owner and Managing Director of FT Leisure Limited and FT Aquatic Consulting Limited, Simon has built a strong reputation for his technical knowledge and for delivering practical, sustainable solutions that help aquatic facilities maintain high standards of water quality, safety, efficiency and performance.

Alongside his new role as Vice Chair, Simon will continue in his current position as Chair of the PWTAG Industry Forum.

We would like to thank Ian for everything he has contributed during his time as Chair and wish Mike and Simon every success in their new roles.

Campaigners behind plans to restore Otley Lido believe reopening more outdoor swimming pools could help improve water safety by giving more children the opportunity to learn to swim in supervised environments. The call comes following a rise in open-water fatalities during this summer's hot weather.

Read the full article below:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdx7xkndpnjo

A new "Lido League" has ranked the UK's best outdoor swimming spots, celebrating iconic lidos, tidal pools and open-water venues from across the country. The rankings highlight the growing popularity of outdoor swimming and showcase some of Britain's most loved places to take a dip.

Read the full article below:
https://secretldn.com/lido-league-best-uk-outdoor-swimming-spots/