Three under threat school pools in Glasgow could be saved thanks to a private swimming tuition company. Making Waves Ltd have offered to run the pools, which Glasgow City Council said are too expensive to repair and maintain. Those pools under threat include St Bride’s Primary School, Govanhill; Lorne Street Primary, Govan and Abercorn in Cowcaddens. Negotiations are now taking place to keep them open. Among several faults, a recent risk assessment report showed the pools have tile breakages, sediment problems, loss of pool water, broken drainage pipes, problems with filtration systems and incidents of personal injury. As well as this, the pools are not energy-efficient and are estimated to cost £1.45million to upgrade. Making Waves are the largest independent provider of private swimming lessons in the Central Scotland, teaching up to 1,500 children to swim each week. If their proposals are given the go ahead, the company will refurbish the pools and offer a varied swim programme for youngsters in the area. Nicola Mitchell, Director at Making Waves said: “If the council agrees, we will be looking to take over the day-to-day running of the pools from January 2014. There is lots of work to be done, but we’re passionate about getting the pools up and running again. “There is a lack of pool facilities in the area, and unfortunately this means that many children are not learning to swim. Once the work is completed, we hope to open the pools up to not only school pupils but the community as well, and provide swimming lessons for all. We will also be looking to start a trainee programme at the pools for youngsters from the local area to become fully qualified swimming instructors.”
