It may not have escaped your notice: Swimwise recently graced the front page of the business newspaper *De Tijd*. A fantastic accolade for our team, but above all a much-needed confirmation of a reality we have been highlighting for some time: the shortage of local, accessible swimming waters is acute. And that problem does not stop at the borders of Flanders.
In an in-depth interview with our founder, Christophe Lecoque, *De Tijd* highlights the complex challenge facing local authorities today. Traditional swimming pool infrastructure forms an indispensable foundation, but often reaches its capacity limits due to rising energy costs, renovations or lengthy procedures. The consequences are painfully evident on the ground: schools are losing valuable teaching time to long, expensive bus journeys, and sports clubs are struggling with an acute shortage of swimming sessions.
Our vision? Swimming water solutions can also be flexible, quick to implement and financially viable, complementing the existing network. This means that local swimming water need not be a political or financial headache lasting for decades.
A flexible solution to a genuine need
Many towns and cities are struggling with ageing infrastructure and a growing demand for swimming facilities. With our portable swimming pools, we offer a quick and scalable solution.
“With these swimming facilities, we’re creating capacity where it’s needed most,” says Christophe Lecoque, director of Swimwise. “We’re bringing the swimming pool to the local community, not the other way round.”
Global interest in a Flemish innovation
Whilst our four 25-metre portable swimming pools in Mechelen are currently being erected at record speed (providing an extra 900 m² of swimming space and tens of thousands of opportunities to swim), other towns are also watching with great interest. From all over Flanders, but now also from far beyond.
“Dit gaat veel verder dan Vlaanderen,” vertelt Christophe Lecoque in De Tijd. “We staan op het punt onze eerste stappen te zetten in Nederland. Maar we krijgen inmiddels vragen vanuit de hele wereld: het Verenigd Koninkrijk, de Verenigde Staten, India en zelfs Australië. Je merkt dat het probleem van beschikbaar zwemwater wereldwijd speelt.”
Our mission remains down-to-earth and local
Although international interest is giving us a boost, our focus remains unchanged: to provide safe and enjoyable swimming facilities in the places where they are most needed. Close to where people live, within walking or cycling distance. By using modular and energy-efficient construction methods, we are making swimming affordable and flexible once again for towns and local authorities.We zijn enorm trots dat De Tijd ons platform gebruikt om deze maatschappelijke transitie in de verf te zetten. De beweging is ingezet, en we blijven keihard doorbouwen.
Het volledige artikel in De Tijd lezen?
Are you a subscriber to *De Tijd*, or would you like to read the full, in-depth interview with Christophe Lecoque online? If so, click here to view the article on the *De Tijd* website. (Please note: this article is behind *De Tijd*’s paywall).
Would you like to find out what Swimwise can do for your town or local authority?
Our autumn diary is filling up fast, but we’d be happy to make time after the summer for a no-obligation, exploratory meeting at your town hall.
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Today, Swimwise is drawing extra attention to drowning prevention. Find out how learning to swim and water safety save lives.
