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.