Water Wellbeing accreditation for North Northamptonshire’s flagship Corby swimming pool
Parks, sports and leisure16 December 2024
Corby East Midlands International Pool has been given the seal of approval for its accessibility for people of all abilities including those with health impairments.
The North Northamptonshire Council-run facility gained Water Wellbeing Accreditation through National Governing Body, Swim England.
To become Water Wellbeing Accredited, it must be demonstrated that pools are accessible, inclusive, and inviting to all.
The Corby pool has shown that it offers the highest standards in quality of aquatic provision for people with long-term medical conditions – making it suitable to be used for placements by healthcare partners.
The facility had to undergo a Swim England Environmental Assessment where there were 78 different elements that they were assessed to show that people with long term health conditions and impairments could be facilitated.
These included having sufficient lighting, signs that are clearly visible, providing appropriate changing cubicles and providing ramps or any alternative way that would enable someone with mobility or pain issues to ease their way into the pool.
Assessors also looked for evidence of processes to help people in and out of the pool if they are in physical or mental distress and are unable to pull themselves up the steps out of the water.
Additionally, the NHS-approved programme - Good Boost - is one of the essential activities that the Swim England Water Wellbeing Accreditation look for the facility to have implemented prior to the accreditation being given.
I’m delighted that our flagship Corby pool has earned this accreditation to officially recognise what the facility offers for those with health conditions.Cllr Helen Howell, Deputy Leader of North Northamptonshire Council and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Tourism
This reinforces the idea that leisure is for everyone – of all ages and abilities – as it brings tremendous benefits.
Improving health outcomes for everyone is one of the Council’s top priorities and this accreditation is an important step in moving towards this goal.Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council
The Corby pool is a tremendous asset to our area and I’m proud of all the hard-working staff who are making North Northamptonshire a better place for us all.
Achieving this accreditation is a testament to the enthusiasm and efforts of the leisure team, to find new ways to support local people to improve their health and wellbeing. It was clear from the start that the team were committed to this agenda and it is exciting to see new offers being created, that take full advantage of the unique benefits that being active in water has to offer.Andrew Power, Water Wellbeing Specialist at Swim England
As we have seen in other areas around the country, I am sure this will help to see new and improved partnerships build locally, as the success of this programme grows in the months and years ahead.