Rural swimming pools across France are facing closure as ageing facilities become more expensive to run, even as heatwaves make them an essential refuge for families who cannot afford holidays or live in overheated homes.
At Châteauneuf-sur-Sarthe in western France, the municipal pool costs the town hall at least €100,000 a year. The facility, which opened in 1973, is now the only pool within about 20 miles after three others closed in the surrounding countryside.
A low-cost refuge during extreme heat
The pool in Châteauneuf-sur-Sarthe has become a daily escape for residents including Suzy Bernard, who learned to swim at 75 and now visits with her daughter and grandson. She is part of Touche Pas à Ma Piscine, a village collective campaigning for the facility to remain open and receive more government support.
Affordable village pools also provide swimming instruction. Between 1 May and 15 July, 274 people died from drowning in France, with most deaths occurring after people entered rivers and other waterways to cool down, according to the source material.
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Why the facilities are under pressure
Many rural pools were built during the 1970s, while others date from the 1980s, and those still operating require costly renovation. Mayors with shrinking budgets must also meet high day-to-day running costs. At Châteauneuf-sur-Sarthe, Mayor Véronique Langlais said an unexpected major repair or replacement part could force the pool to close.
The current network grew from a 1969 government plan launched after poor French swimming results at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics and a series of drownings. More than 600 pools were built under the plan, mainly in rural areas, although the original target was 1,000.
Local campaigns seek long-term funding
François Gernigon, a centre-right lawmaker for Maine-et-Loire, has petitioned the government for a rural-pool funding plan. His survey of rural mayors found that more than 75% feared their village pool could close in the short term.
Support groups are campaigning, volunteering and carrying out painting and maintenance work. In Rochefort-sur-Loire, residents have used performances and community events to make the pool a focus of village life while seeking funds to reopen its indoor teaching pool.
Swimming lessons remain a safety issue
At Rochefort-sur-Loire, the pool lies beside the River Louet, a branch of the Loire, and the area has three rivers and winter flooding. Lifeguard and swim coach Guillaume Lusteau said swimming skills are important for protection during the flooding season as well as for recreation.
The local pool’s importance has increased during the heatwaves because the nearby river level has fallen too low for swimming. Mayor Didier Le Gall said the facility supports children learning to swim, families on low incomes and residents who stay in the village during holidays, while also contributing to physical and mental wellbeing.
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