FAQs

Why do we need a sea pool? Why not just use the sea?
We found that people want to use the sea all year round, but many are afraid of waves, currents, and rough sea conditions (especially out of season). Other people may not have swimming confidence or find the sea a frightening place. For others, the beach and sea is not accessible due to mobility issues.

A sea pool will provide safe access for everybody to enter the sea and will take away a lot of the worries that people have about going into the sea. The waters will be much calmer with no noticeable currents, and can be used much more safely year-round. Swimmers with little experience , or learners, can use the sea with friends and family using either the learner pool or the shallow end of the main pool. Specially designed to be accessible for all, the sea pool allows easy entry for everybody so that we can all enjoy the sea and the benefits of swimming in sea water.

As the pool will be Olympic in size, having a calm pool on rough weather days means we will able able to host many watersports events where others would need to cancel due to inclement weather on the sea.

Where is the money coming from? Shouldn’t we be using it on our roads etc..?
The Isle of Wight Council is NOT using taxpayers money to fund the Sea Pool.
Instead, the Isle of Wight Sea Pool company is raising money through a mix of public and private investors, philanthropists, grant aid, government schemes, foundations and fundraising.

Who will maintain the pool and where will the money come from to do so?
Isle of Wight Sea Pool will maintain the Sea Pool. The funds will come from a mix of sources including sponsorship, membership programmes, advertising, events, merchandise, pool/facilities hire and donations.

How much will this cost the taxpayer?
Absolutely nothing! The Sea Pool will be created and maintained by its parent company, Isle of Wight Sea Pool Ltd (soon to become a charity).

How much will it cost to use the pool?
The pool will be absolutely free to use on a daily basis. However, any group or club who wishes to use the entire pool on a regular basis will be asked to make a nominal donation towards maintenance fees. These fees will be confirmed once the pool is open.