500 signatures reached
To: Westmeath County Council
EVERYONE DESERVES THE CHANCE TO LEARN TO SWIM: Restore Private Lessons at Mullingar Swimming Pool
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We, the undersigned, are parents, guardians, and adult learners who use Mullingar Swimming Pool and are deeply concerned about the recently announced policy prohibiting private swimming lessons during public sessions, due to come into effect on 1st May 2026.
This decision will have a significant and negative impact on many members of our community.
Private one-to-one and small ratio swimming lessons play a vital role for:
- Children who struggle in group lesson settings
- Children with additional needs or disabilities who require tailored instruction
- Individuals who need extra support to build water confidence and safety skills
- Adults who are learning to swim, many of whom rely on private lessons due to anxiety, past experiences, or the need for a more personalised pace
For many of these users, private instruction is not a luxury—it is the only effective and accessible way they can safely learn to swim.
We find it difficult to reconcile this decision with the stated goal of providing a “safe, fair, and well-managed environment for all pool users.” In reality, structured one-to-one or small-ratio lessons delivered by qualified instructors are among the safest and most controlled uses of the facility.
It is clear that there is a lack of sufficient availability within the pool's own lesson programmes. Many classes are oversubscribed, leaving families and adult learners without access and driving demand for private lessons. In addition, limited time and availability within these programmes— particularly for children with additional needs— means that many are not adequately supported in a group setting.
While alternative offerings such as the swim ability programme and sensory sessions are available, these appear to be underutilised and do not meet the broader demand or replace the flexibility and effectiveness of private instruction for many users.
The parent and toddler sessions were also forced to discontinue in July, despite the programme’s success and delivery by a highly experienced instructor. This has already left many families with young children under four years old without access to appropriate lessons in the pool. Although an alternative offering for this cohort was indicated, no such replacement has materialised. It now appears that yet another group of children is being overlooked.
There is no indication that these private lessons have caused any disadvantage to other pool users. In many cases, they have taken place without overcrowding or disruption. As such, a complete ban appears disproportionate.
We also wish to express our strong concern and frustration at the extremely short notice given for this change. With less than 10 days’ notice before implementation on 1st May, families and adult learners have been left with little time to adjust. Many have only recently built trust with instructors and developed confidence in the water, and this abrupt change risks undoing important progress and will discourage them from using the pool altogether.
Why is this important?
As a public facility, Mullingar Swimming Pool has a responsibility to remain inclusive and accessible to all members of the community.
In a country surrounded by water, the ability to swim is an essential life skill, and access to effective learning pathways must be protected.
We respectfully call on Westmeath County Council to:
- Review and reconsider the decision to ban private swimming lesson
- Acknowledge and address the current shortfall in available classes and access within existing programmes
- Engage with pool users, parents, instructors, and adult learners before implementing major policy changes
- Explore balanced alternatives, such as designated times that allow private instruction to continue alongside public use
We believe there is a fair and practical solution that supports safety, inclusion, and access for everyone.