PWTAG

Only 9 days to go until our next PWTAG Expert Webinar!

Join Jimmy Lamb on 10 September, from 3pm–4pm, for an informative session exploring Glass Filtration Media and comparing the filtration and backwash performance of different media types.

Can’t join us live? Register anyway and we’ll send you the recording afterwards.

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

⏰ Our early bird offer ends on 31 August!

Join us at the PWTAG Conference on 5 November at Holywell Park, Loughborough. Book now to secure your ticket before prices increase.

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

Olympic champion Becky Adlington is offering more than 5,000 free swimming lessons at venues across the country until September. The initiative aims to help more children build confidence in the water and learn vital swimming and water-safety skills.

Becky is also calling on local councils to work with her to help get more children swimming.

Read the full article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2k3zzd07wo

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/