With warm weather set to continue over summer, swimming pools have never seemed so appealing. Which brings us to our next question… When will swimming pools reopen?
Hands up who’s ready for a dip? As lockdown measures ease in the UK, we look at the current coronavirus rules surrounding swimming pools.
When will swimming pools open?
All indoor and outdoor swimming pools in the UK closed at the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown back in March.
And as it stands, there’s still no set date for swimming pools to open. This is despite leisure facilities such as pubs, hotels, museums and hairdressers getting the green light to welcome the public back from July 4th.
Swimming pools, along with indoor gyms, spas and nail salons will open later in the year, due to the risk they pose during the COVID-19 pandemic. The dates are still not confirmed.
But on behalf of everyone keen to get back in the pool, Swim England has launched the #OpenOurPools campaign. This asks Boris Johnson to rethink his decision to keep swimming pools closed.
Jane Nickerson, chief executive Swim England said, “By ignoring the swimming sector in the latest easing of lockdown, the Government has let down millions who rely on being in the water. From those who use pools for mental or physical health reasons, to our recreational swimmers and competitive club athletes.”
“It appears that it is okay to sit on the couch watching professional sport, go out for a high calorie meal and then go to the pub. But you can’t go for a swim, which provides a sanitised environment,” she added.
Swim England have also published guidance on Returning to the Pool, so when the time comes, people can get back to swimming safely.
How can swimming pools open safely?
Swim England have used government regulations and expert recommendations to outline how pool operators and swimmers can adjust to the ‘new normal’ when swimming pools open.
Some of these measures include:
- Using a booking system that limits the number of swimmers in a pool.
- Maintaining social distancing in reception areas and changing rooms.
- Arriving at the pool ready to swim – with swimwear under clothes.
- Showering at home – before and after your swim.
- Swimming in designated lanes that follow direction signs, maintaining social distancing in the pool, no overtaking, and turning away from others when resting at the wall of the pool.
- Taking your own hand sanitiser and water bottle to the pool.
What about swimming outdoors?
Wild swimming in rivers, lakes and the sea is considered an outdoor activity in the latest government guidelines.
However, Swim England advises that only competent and experienced open water swimmers use this form of exercise. Social distancing guidelines should also be adhered to.
Swimmers should be aware of the risks surrounding wild swimming in order to stay safe. Visit outdoorswimmingsociety.com for tips.
But these risks include an absence of lifeguards, unpredictable water depth and currents, and the potential for cold water shock.
