Active Mid Devon has taken a major step to improving its accessibility for swimmers, with the purchase of two Pool Pods, state-of-the-art pieces of equipment designed to help more people get into the water safely, comfortably, and with dignity.

The Pool Pod 3.0 is a discreet, fully automated pool lift that allows swimmers with reduced mobility, disabilities, or additional support needs to get into and out of the pool independently. The new system replaces older equipment, such as hoists, and will make swimming in Mid Devon more inclusive for everyone in the community.

Councillor Josh Wright, Cabinet Member for Service Delivery and Continuous Improvement, said:

“This is a really exciting improvement for our pools. Swimming should be something everyone can enjoy, regardless of physical ability and the Pool Pod gives people more independence and confidence to get into the water. We are continually investing in making swimming a better experience for all our swimmers and investing in this equipment, at both our pools, will be a huge improvement for so many people.”

The Pool Pod 3.0 operates at the touch of a button, lowering the user gently into the pool before returning to its original position when they are finished. When not in use, it sits discreetly on the poolside, ensuring minimal impact on other swimmers.

The pods have been funded in part from Sport England and the National Lottery which provided £15,000 towards the purchase and installation of the pods.

Swimming instructors and staff at Active Tiverton and Active Crediton have been given training in how to use the pod and support swimmers and are keen to encourage people who have been reluctant to use the pool to try the equipment.

Andy Mackie, Operations Manager for Leisure, said:

“We think the Pool Pod will be very well received by existing swimmers who need support and we also hope it will encourage swimmers, who have been reluctant to use our pools because of their disability, to visit Active Mid Devon. It really is a great piece of equipment and a vast improvement on our current set up.”

The investment in the Pool Pod 3.0 forms part of a broader commitment to improving accessibility across Active Mid Devon’s facilities, with improved poolside changing rooms and Changing Places toilets.

The Pool Pods are due to be installed this week and be available for use once staff have been fully trained to support users.