Swimming at Poplar Baths
More than 20,000 residents in Tower Hamlets are swimming for free as the council celebrates the first anniversary of its free swimming programme – a major investment in public health and community well-being.
20,583 residents are now signed up to the scheme, of those, over 18,000 are women and girls aged 16 and over, and nearly 3,900 residents aged 55 or over, helping to tackle persistent health inequalities and create more accessible routes into physical activity.
The programme has significantly boosted female participation across the borough’s leisure centres, with women and girls now making up 82% of users – up from just over 40% before the scheme launched.
At a time when swimming pools are closing nationwide, with 500 pools lost since 2010, and 42% of those closures since 2020 – Tower Hamlets is investing in public leisure rather than cutting back.
Younger adults have engaged strongly with the scheme, with over 3,400 members aged 16-24 and more than 5,700 aged 25-34. An additional 4,448 residents aged 35-44 and over 3,100 aged 45-54 are also actively participating, showing broad community engagement across all age groups.
Tower Hamlets is protecting and expanding access by also offering free swimming lessons for women and girls to build confidence and skills to support long-term participation.
Tower Hamlets is a borough with poor health, with half of adults either overweight or obese. Women in the borough are more likely to be inactive than men, with women’s life expectancy seven years younger than that of men. Older adults have the lowest rate of physical activity than any other age groups.
The free swimming programme is a core part of the council’s commitment to tackling inactivity, reducing health inequalities, and making physical activity more accessible – particularly for residents who face barriers.
Hussain Rabbani Chowdhury, a local resident said:
"I go for my free swim once a week and am really happy it’s more accessible.
“I feel like it’s helped my health and wellbeing overall, and I feel lighter after my swim – it’s improved mobility in my arms and legs.”
Joanne Barry, a local resident said:
"I’m a carer with my work and an old age pensioner, and I try to keep as active as possible.
“I thought swimming was more expensive than other activities and it can all add up at the end of the month – I think it’s great that it’s now free.”
Cllr Mohammed Kamrul Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, said:
“In Tower Hamlets, we’re taking real action to tackle the deep health inequalities in our communities.
“At a time when access to swimming is vanishing elsewhere, we’re proud to be investing in public leisure, making it easier for thousands of residents to be active, healthy and connected.
“This isn’t just about swimming, it’s about building healthier communities.”
Posted on Wednesday 30th July 2025