Episode Details

Saving Swimming Pools: The Battle for Community Resources and Health Benefits

The Role of Sports in Social Services and Community Development

The pressing issues facing the world of sports and swimming today needs YOU at the TABLE. From the closure of swimming pools to the role of sports in education, we must lead and seek power for more those beyond the championship meets.

• The potential closure of over 30 swimming pools in Toronto and its implications.
• The launch of enhanced games and the controversy surrounding supplement use.
• The importance of sports being included in discussions on health and education.
• The impact of budget cuts on drowning prevention efforts and opportunities for intervention.
• The role of community engagement and innovative solutions in promoting sports and safety.

We made a call out for Sue and Mick Nelson to join in future discussions. An interview is expected. But sadly, there were a few mistakes.

• Mick and Sue Nelson worked at USA Swimming, not for the Foundation.

• Their company, Total Aquatic Programming, (see https://totalaquatic.llc/) is still an independent contractors for USA Swimming.

• Since 2008, they have been collecting data on fatal drownings.

• Their goal is to help individuals, cities, foundations, and others identify their risks and understand where drownings are occurring. This information enables them to develop strategies and campaigns to raise awareness and inform their communities.

• They also have kept records on pool closings.

Sequence of topics covered in the transcript, with sub-topic bullets below each primary topic:

1. Challenges in Sports and Swimming
2. • Closing of swimming pools in Toronto
   • Launch of enhanced games and concerns about supplement use
   • Efforts to get a big picture view of the situation
2. Child Protection and Social Services in the UK
3. • Comparison of information quality between the UK and Canada
   • Role of Sport for Life in Canada
   • Importance of sport in reintegrating kids into school
3. Sport's Role in Health and Education
4. • Lack of representation of sport at decision-making tables
   • Conversation with a developer about community needs and tax concerns
   • Importance of selling the benefits of sports to health and education sectors
4. Efforts to Save Swimming Pools in Ontario
5. • Battles to save school swimming pools
   • Changing public perception about the value of swimming pools
   • The role of swimming pools in community service and safety
5. Integration of Sport in Soci