World Aquatics Partner Myrtha Pools turns Ageing Public Pools into Life-Saving Community Hubs
Around the world from Italy to Grenada to Australia, World Aquatics' Global Partner Myrtha Pools is working with governments, federations and communities worldwide to preserve, renovate and build the aquatic facilities where swimming journeys and water safety begin.
The World Health Organization estimates that learning to swim can reduce the risk of drowning among children by up to 88%. Yet around the world, communities face a growing infrastructure crisis: municipal pools built between the 1960s and 1980s are reaching the end of their operational life, particularly across Europe and Australia, while many under-served communities still lack adequate aquatic facilities. Every pool that closes removes one of the most effective environments for teaching life-saving skills.
As Global Partner of World Aquatics since 2009 and supplier to six Olympic Games, Myrtha Pools is working to change that – work that sits squarely alongside World Aquatics' own drowning prevention efforts through initiatives such as Discover Water and Pools for All.
In Italy, Olympic artistic swimmer Giorgio Minisini joined young athletes at the Aquamore Ghedi Centre ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July.
“I have always believed that water is an extraordinary tool for inclusion. Learning to swim isn't just about practising a sport: it is a skill that can save lives,” Minisini said.