Tom Daley Supports Effort to Preserve Ayr Diving Pool
Olympic diver Tom Daley has expressed his support for a campaign aimed at saving one of Scotland's last remaining diving pools, describing the proposed closure as "heartbreaking".
Ayr Diving Club is actively campaigning to prevent the closure of its local diving facilities after South Ayrshire Council announced plans to shut the pool at the Citadel leisure centre by the end of April, citing budget constraints.
The closure would force club members to travel approximately 180 miles to the nearest alternative diving pool, located in Edinburgh.
Daley told that closing the Citadel pool could hinder the development of diving in Scotland.
"Any diving pool, in any country, anywhere is an absolute treasure, because our sport is so small," the 31-year-old said.
"There is a rise of people showing an interest in the sport who want to get involved.
"The fact that instead of more facilities being created, they are being taken away is heartbreaking."
South Ayrshire Council stated that the decision was made after careful consideration, reflecting "significant operational, environmental and financial pressures affecting the long term sustainability of the diving pool."
Daley’s Connection to Local Diving Facilities
Daley’s success at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, where he won his third gold medal, contributed to increased membership at Ayr Diving Club.
Now retired, Daley is Britain’s most decorated diver, having competed in five Olympic Games and earned three bronze, one silver, and one gold medal.
He emphasized the importance of local diving pools, noting that without access to his local facility in Plymouth, he would not have been able to pursue his Olympic ambitions.
"I was just really lucky to live near a diving pool in Plymouth, otherwise I never would have known I could be an Olympic champion in diving.
"I would have completely slipped through the net - sometimes these smaller pools are where the talent is found that could be the next Olympic champion."
Daley expressed particular sadness about the closure of diving pools when there are no comparable facilities nearby.
"These small facilities are feeder pools to go into the bigger facilities like the pools in Edinburgh and Aberdeen," he said.
The Broader Impact of Diving Facilities
Daley highlighted that diving clubs contribute more than just athletic development; they also foster essential life skills.
"It is not just about finding the next Olympic champion either, it is about community," the diving champion added.
"It's about finding confidence, about learning new skills, about teamwork, it's about being able to be fit and healthy and finding a sport that you love.
"It's about all of the skills that come with learning through sport. It's always heartbreaking to hear of any closures of diving pools. So many young people rely on these facilities as a place of joy and hope."
Following his retirement in 2024, Daley has become a familiar figure on British television, appearing on shows such as Celebrity Bake Off, Celebrity Traitors, and Celebrity Gogglebox.
He currently presents Game of Wool: Britain's Best Knitter, a competitive knitting show filmed in Ayrshire.
Daley had planned to train at the Citadel during filming of the show's second season but will no longer have that opportunity due to the closure.
"I would have loved to pop in and do a couple of training sessions there, but that option is being taken off the table," he said.
"I really hope that the decision to close the facility is reconsidered.
"There is so much up and coming talent in Scotland and it will be such a shame to lose another diving facility. It will be a very sad day."
Council’s Explanation and Future Plans
A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council confirmed that a phased closure of the diving facilities at the Citadel would begin on Monday, 20 April.
The council emphasized its ongoing commitment to supporting aquatic sports in the region.
"The council remains committed to supporting aquatic sport across South Ayrshire.
"We fully recognise the decision directly affects 59 current users, including members of Ayr Diving Club.
"However, by reallocating access from diving activity, we will be able to create 700 additional Learn 2 Swim places, significantly reducing waiting lists and ensuring that more children and young people can access essential water safety skills earlier in life.
"This represents a substantial and much-needed community benefit."
