MSP Steps In After AquaSharks Swim School Faces Closure

MSP Siobhian Brown has stepped in following growing concern over the future of AquaSharks Swim School, which is facing possible closure after losing access to the pools it uses at Sundrum Castle and Sandylands holiday parks.

The popular swim school, which teaches around 500 swimmers each week — including hundreds of children with additional support needs — is set to lose its venues next month after Parkdean Resorts confirmed the pools would not remain open during the winter months for financial and environmental reasons.

Brown said she had been contacted by several worried constituents since the news broke and has begun making enquiries to support the school.

“I’ve been contacted by several concerned constituents about the situation facing AquaSharks Swim School, which operates lessons at Sundrum Castle and Sandylands. I completely understand how worrying this is for the families, swimmers, and staff affected, particularly the many children with additional support needs who rely on these sessions each week,” she said.

The MSP confirmed she had spoken with a representative connected to the pool and understands the challenges surrounding operational costs over the winter period.

“I’ve reached out to them directly and am waiting to hear back. I’ll also be asking for a meeting to discuss the situation further and explore any possible options to help AquaSharks continue their valuable work,” Ms Brown added.

Parkdean Resorts has stated that its parks close to the public for four months over winter and that it plans to continue supporting local swim schools when pools reopen in 2026.

The update comes after AquaSharks founder Susan Pollock warned the decision could leave hundreds of children without swimming lessons and 15 staff without work, calling the situation “devastating” for families across Ayrshire.