The current scenario of extreme drought

The current scenario of extreme drought, added to the heat waves and increasingly torrid summers, portend some very complicated summer months. Also in terms of cool spaces to spend the hours and the warmest days of the year, municipal swimming pools play a key role.

Restrictions and census of swimming pools

In accordance with the current restrictions of the drought plan, those municipal swimming pools that are not federated will not be able to operate. However, this week the Government has opened the door to creating a census to determine which swimming pools will be considered climate shelters.

Statements by the Climate Action Councillor

The statements of the Climate Action Councilor, David Mascort, come after a report that focused on this ban. However, the mayors’ concern is growing and they are asking the Government to specify and determine the requirements to be considered a climate refuge.

Opinions of the mayors

The mayor of Sabadell, Marta Farrés, welcomes the fact that the option of opening the swimming pools is being discussed but demands that it go ahead and that it is not dependent on the presence of an air-conditioned center next door. The mayor of Sant Vicenç de Castellet, Dani Mauriz, assures that they will do everything possible so that the pool is considered a climate shelter. The mayor of Súria, Albert Corberó, points out that the drought emergency cannot be an excuse for all municipal swimming pools to be considered climate shelters.

What is a climate shelter?

A climate shelter is an accessible indoor or outdoor space that, during the hottest months, provides thermal comfort, rest and safety to the population. They can be parks, gardens, libraries, civic centers or museums. Now, however, municipal swimming pools could also be included.

Claims of the municipalities

In a context where there are many demands to make the drought plan more flexible, the municipalities are demanding from the Department of Climate Action that the closure of municipal swimming pools be the last option.

The current drought scenario and restrictions

The current scenario of extreme drought and increasingly intense heat waves predict some very complicated summer months. In this context, municipal swimming pools play a key role as cool spaces to spend the warmest hours and days of the year. However, current drought plan restrictions prevent non-federated pools from operating.

Statements by the Climate Action Councillor

The Councilor for Climate Action, David Mascort, has made statements about this ban and has opened the door to creating a census to determine which swimming pools will be considered climate shelters. This measure has generated concern among the mayors, who are asking the Government to specify and determine the requirements to be considered a climate refuge.

Opinions of the mayors

Several mayors express their opinion on this issue. The mayor of Sabadell, Marta Farrés, welcomes the possibility of opening the swimming pools, but claims that this decision is not conditional on the presence of an air-conditioned center nearby. Other mayors, such as the mayor of Sant Vicenç de Castellet, Dani Mauriz, and the mayor of Súria, Albert Corberó, consider it essential that municipal swimming pools can open as climate shelters.

Diversity of opinions

There are mayors, such as the mayor of Castellar del Vallès, Ignasi Giménez, who express their concern about the fact that private clubs can open their swimming pools while neighborhood facilities are closed, affecting low-income families. In addition, the councilor of the Terrassa Water Cycle, Patrícia Reche, highlights the importance of swimming pools as an activity for many families during the summer.

What is a climate shelter?

A climate shelter is an accessible indoor or outdoor space that provides thermal comfort, rest and safety to the population during the hottest months. These spaces can be parks, gardens, libraries, civic centers or museums, and now municipal swimming pools could also be included.

Claims of the municipalities

The municipalities are demanding from the Department of Climate Action that the closure of the municipal swimming pools is the last option in the context of the restrictions due to the drought. There are several demands to make the drought plan more flexible, and the municipalities ask that they be taken into account in this decision-making.

Impact of the measure

Municipal swimming pools as climatic shelters during the drought have a positive impact on the population, providing a space of comfort and safety during the hottest months. This measure contributes to mitigating the effects of extreme temperatures and guaranteeing the well-being of citizens.