Swimming pools are generally considered basic amenities. Strangely enough, there is often a lack of in-depth knowledge about the users of these pools and how they view these facilities. Satisfaction surveys among guests are usually predictable. There is a high risk of socially desirable responses, which can lead to mismanagement of expectations. Moreover, it is much more interesting to ask potential visitors about their reasons for not coming to the swimming pool. That is why the Local Sports Policy Network and its Dutch counterpart, the Association for Sport and Municipalities (VSG), joined forces two years ago with LMR-LMOV, Ghent University, and the Dutch research center, the Mulier Institute. The aim of this collaboration was to draw up a research plan that would help the sector move forward, focusing on various areas of interest on both sides of the border. The research report has now been completed and contains a wealth of relevant policy information that can help promote the use of swimming pools and improve the experience of guests. Charlotte Hoedemaekers from the Local Sports Policy Network and Herman Rijsdijk from the VSG will discuss the most important results in this session, what this means for the swimming pool industry in both countries, and how we can learn from each other.
Charlotte Hoedemaekers (Local Sports Policy Network) and Herman Rijsdijk (Sports and Municipalities Association)
This knowledge session will be held at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in Knowledge Dome #1.
This session is part of the Swimming Pool Industry Day. For more information, visit zwembadbranche.be/dag.