By Isle of Wight Observer
The campaign to create a sea pool on the Isle of Wight has reached a new milestone, with organisers celebrating registered charity status and launching a fresh appeal for public support.
The project gained momentum last year when the Isle of Wight Council signed a Letter of Intent backing, in principle, plans for a sea pool at Yaverland. The next hurdle is raising around £60,000 to fund technical studies of the site, including engineering assessments and coastal surveys. These will determine how the pool could be delivered, and provide the evidence needed to unlock major funding. If successful it would be the first sea pool built in the UK for more than 100 years.
But organisers say community input is just as important as technical work. A new public survey is now open, inviting residents and visitors to share how they would use a sea pool – from morning dips and long‑distance training to lessons, hydrotherapy, water sports, or simply safer access to the sea.
“We know there is huge enthusiasm for sea swimming on the Island, but we need a detailed picture of how people would use a sea pool and the difference it could make,” a spokesman said. Accessibility is a key focus, with the team keen to hear from people who would benefit from supportive entry into the water.
A previous survey in 2023 attracted 1,179 responses and highlighted both the popularity of sea swimming and the barriers that stop people taking part, including water quality concerns, strong tides, and a lack of facilities.
Early responses to the new survey suggest the benefits could extend beyond regular swimmers. Among non‑resident respondents, 81 per cent said a sea pool would encourage them to visit more often. Others spoke of the confidence a safer, more accessible environment would give friends and family.
The survey is open until the end of October, and organisers say every response will help shape the next stage of the project and demonstrate the level of public support behind it.
You can respond to the survey via iw.observer/sea-pool-survey or use your mobile phone to read the QR code.
Tilly Walder