Canford Cliffs pavilion is a regular HQ for open water swimmers, walkers and a general stopping point for people enjoying the beach and keeping fit. Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole aka BCP Council have submitted plans to convert the Canford Cliffs community beachfront pavilion to a cafe, where the local area is already dotted with cafes and ice-cream kiosks.

https://seafront.pooleprojects.net/canford-cliffs/

Converting the premises will remove its open use as a changing area, a meeting point that has encouraged more people to share the health benefits of swimming and fitness. It is supported by local lifesaving groups, channel swimmers and a diverse group of wonderful people from a wide range of professions that support open water safety and open water swimming in Dorset, UK.

Open water swimming is on the rise with its popularity nationally and globally. Branksome Surf Lifesaving Club in 2019 hosted a highly successful beach lifesaving event and is likely to host a second. Decades ago councils defunded social facilities in the thought it would save money. Now, local councils are investing significant funds back into lidos, ground heated pools and changing facilities throughout the UK. Along Bournemouth bay there are limited facilities for showering and changing, beach huts are expensive for many or in short supply, but we have the responsibility to our next generation to motivate well-being and support a healthy lifestyle.

Additionally, scientific peer reviewed studies have backed up anecdotal evidence where social cohesion and cold water swimming is a marked impact on someone's own mental and physical health. Community well-being is vital in removing pressures on healthcare today, and with the government prescribing fitness instead of medical care it is obviously seen as a positive return on investment. Along the beach, publicly funded clubs are supporting beach sports that mixes generations and life experiences, broadening people's horizons and lifting overall PR of the area.

All we ask is to understand its current value in community terms, support community well-being and invest in providing a shelter, changing and washing facilities. Furthermore, a little more creativity and modern thinking could promote nationally how BCP Council is making a difference and is not prepared to repeat the mistakes of past generations.