Accessible swimming pools - make pool buildings welcoming for everyone
Accessible swimming pools – how to prepare your facility and successfully apply for a grant? In the context of the calls for proposals announced under the “Accessible swimming pool and activities for people with special needs” programme, many local authorities are looking for...
Accessible swimming pools – how to prepare your facility and successfully apply for a grant?
In the context of the calls for proposals announced under the “Accessible swimming pool and activities for people with special needs” (Dostępna pływalnia i zajęcia dla osób ze szczególnymi potrzebami) programme, many local authorities are looking for reliable information and specialist support in preparing their facilities to meet accessibility requirements. What are accessible swimming pools, which standards must be met, and what does the audit that allows you to apply for funding look like?
Below you will find answers, links to official sources and a description of how we can help you through the whole process – from the audit to assistance with the documentation.
Funding
The project funding rate (from EU funds and the state budget) is 100%. No own contribution is required. The minimum project value set out in the budget of the funding application is PLN 1 million, and the maximum project value may not exceed PLN 5 million.What is the total budget for the call for proposals? PLN 42.8 million.
What does “accessible swimming pool” mean?
According to the document “Accessible swimming pool standards” (Standardy dostępnej pływalni) – an annex to call FERS.03.03-IZ.00-001/25 – an accessible swimming pool is one that enables people with special needs to use the facility in a real, independent and safe way. This concerns not only architectural barriers, but also information and communication solutions and organisational arrangements.
Accessible Swimming Pool call website Accessibility standards in local government Accessible swimming pool standards pdf (1MB)Building design standards – Budowlane ABC
What do we check in an accessible swimming pool audit?
When carrying out an audit in line with the official guidelines, we analyse the facility in three areas:
Architectural accessibility
- building entrances, horizontal and vertical circulation,
- accessibility of changing rooms, showers, pools, paddling pools and the poolside area,
- pool hoists, handrails, sloped entries into the water, visual contrast, slip resistance,
- designated wheelchair spaces, accessible changing and toilet facilities, clean transfer zones.
Information and communication accessibility
- visual and tactile signage (lettering, Braille),
- tactile plans, audio and visual information,
- accessibility of ticket desks, helplines and customer service, assistance call systems,
- induction loops, Polish Sign Language (PJM) interpreting, Easy-to-Read (ETR) versions of materials.
Digital accessibility
- the facility's website,
- online booking systems,
- multimedia information points or apps.
How do we support local authorities in applying for a grant?
We work with local government units in a way that takes as much of the load off your team as possible . Our support includes:
✅ Carrying out a comprehensive audit in line with current standards,✅ Preparing photographic documentation and a report with recommendations,
✅ Drawing up a detailed cost estimate of the changes – in line with the grant annex,
✅ Remote or on-site consultations (also with people with disabilities),
✅ Assistance in preparing the application and its annexes,
✅ Training for your team on swimming pool accessibility and serving people with disabilities.
We will not only point out what needs to be improved, but also how to do it in the simplest, cheapest and quickest way, without losing points in the competition.
Accessible swimming pools and grants – why act now?
The “Accessible swimming pool” programme is not only an opportunity to obtain funding, but also a chance to bring lasting improvements to quality of life in the local community. Facilities adapted today will become spaces that welcome everyone – children, older people, people with disabilities and families.
The audit itself is an investment that pays off quickly – both in the scoring of the application and in the later stages of designing and carrying out the modernisation.
