Craven Leisure

Craven Pool is a state-of-the-art facility, but the pool itself falls dramatically short of what Aireville Swimming Pool used to be. Aireville Pool had two diving boards and the big pool was over 12-feet deep. Many memories were had in that pool.

Craven Pool pales in comparison. With the depth reduced to around 10-feet, the pool is smaller in both width and length. One plus is the baby pool which has a retractable floor but the child in me misses Aireville Swimming Baths.

This facility is a pleasant walk through a park from the railway station and a pleasant walk along the canal towpath and the park from the town centre. You can expect to be greeted by strangers in the park. This was my first swim since since the Covid-19 lockdown. I had to register and book online for a 45 minute slot, at a total cost of £5.20. When I arrived, the others were queuing to be checked off the list and have a temperature check. Although we were asked to come changed, this wasn’t enforced. The lockers have been converted to being deposit-free. The showers are out of use. The pool's six lanes have been divided into three sections- slow, medium and fast. People circle-swim round the sides and overtake down the middle. All the sections were quite full at the late morning session midweek, though less so as the time passed. After five months without a swim I was delighted to make it through the session. The cafe is open.

The pool is conspicuous for the lack of the 'fun' facilities for children. It is relatively shallow; has no boards, no flume, and no wave machine. The multisex changing area is dark and dingy but functional; showers are poolside.

I always thought a swimming pool was for swimming. If you need water for your children to play in, find a “fun pool” or buy a paddling pool for your garden. Swimming pools are not only for children, but also for adults who want to enjoy a swim and keep fit!