Who Gets to Swim? The Politics of Access, Inclusion and Shared Swimming Space - Haynes Collins

Haynes Collins (University of Leeds): Who Gets to Swim? The Politics of Access, Inclusion and Shared Swimming Space at the Outdoor Swimming Research Forum 2026. The growing popularity of outdoor swimming has generated significant awareness of the need for clean and accessible swimming spaces. While this momentum remains insufficient to ensure widespread access to swim spaces for all, further challenges extend beyond resource constraints and instead concern the politics of shared space and the interactions between swimmers. In this presentation, I draw on interview data from swimmers at the Kenwood Ladies Pond on Hampstead Heath in London where the pond's inclusive admission policy has recently been contested. The data reveals a diverse range of experiences and stances on the admission policy which contrast sharply with its portrayal in media coverage. While the research does not seek to offer prescriptive recommendations, it demonstrates that the challenge of providing accessible swimming spaces for everyone is not solely environmental or resource based. Rather, it also requires the maintenance of a swimming culture that prioritises the comfort, inclusion and experiences of all users. Achieving this depends on nuanced discussions and delicate cooperation although such efforts may ultimately be superseded by top-down legislation. For more information, visit: www.outdoorswimmingresearch.com Date: Wednesday 9th September 2026. Venue: Windermere Jetty Museum, Bowness-on-Windermere. Session: Accessibility Chair: Stewart Barr (University of Exeter). Host: Taylor Butler-Eldridge (University of Exeter). Videographer & Editing: Benjamin Cannon. Thumbnail Photo: Safia Bailey. The forum was funded by the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council Impact Acceleration Account.