Protest over closure of open water swimming spot

A group of swimmers have staged a protest over the loss of Leeds' only licensed open water swimming spot.

Swimmers had been able to use a section of water at Leeds Dock under the supervision of a lifeguard at set times under a management agreement with the organisation Love Open Water, who oversaw the service.

But with the leaseholders of the site in administration, the agreement has not been renewed as administrators Interpath say open water swimming is "no longer considered viable under the current circumstances".

Among those to enter the water in protest was Sophie Abbott, who said: "We are here because we want to swim and we want to see the safe swimming back at Leeds Dock."

Security guards watched on as about 25 people took a dip against safety advice just after 18:00 BST on Tuesday.

"I feel very passionate about people having access to safe open water swimming spaces," said 50-year-old Abbott.

"This was really a point of pride for Leeds city about being ahead of the curve a bit having an urban open water swim spot.

"It's a real shame to lose that."

Several protestors said having more designated open water swimming sites could reduce the number of drownings during periods of hot weather.

Discussing the risks involved with entering the water, which had not been quality checked since 31 July, Abbott, from Leeds, said: "As an open-water swimmer you take an individual risk when you go swimming.

"I'm aware that I'm taking a risk and I take that on my own behalf."

Organisers of the event said the previous swim sessions were well-attended, underlining the popularity of open water swimming in the city.

Green Party councillor Ed Carlisle was present at the protest and among those to enter the water.

"[The administrators] have taken a bit of a kneejerk, short-term solution, but I think open water swimming was actually one of the really good things that animated this area," he said.

"We are here today to make sure it's absolutely on their agenda and that they see there's appetite for this kind of stuff."

Discussing the safety of the event, the Hunslet and Riverside councillor said: "Open water swimming is a lot safer than people think."

A spokesperson for Interpath said ensuring the safe management of the site "has remained of critical importance" since Leaseco 23 Limited, the owner of the current leasehold for Leeds Dock, entered administration in December.

"It is therefore with regret that the ongoing facilitation of open water swimming at the Dock is no longer considered viable under the current circumstances," they added.

"While we recognise that this will be disappointing for those who have enjoyed swimming at the Docks, health and safety considerations must come first."

Labour councillor Paul Wray, who represents Hunslet and Riverside, which encompasses Leeds Dock, said he was "hopeful" any future owner of the site would consider bringing back open water swimming.

"It's a viable asset to have," he added.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said they had "no influence or control over the activities offered" at Leeds Dock, due to it being privately owned.

"However, we recognise the value that open water swimming can bring to residents and are supportive of opportunities that enable people to be active in different ways," they added.

"We are open to conversations with the owners to ensure this valuable form of exercise remains available to Leeds residents."

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