Swimmings pools have been closed for more than two months since Prime Minister Boris Johnson implemented a nationwide lockdown. Keen swimmers are eager to return to their local pool and leisure centres. But when exactly will these open again?
When could swimming pools and leisure centres reopen again?
Mr Johnson revealed the Government’s plans for the roadmap to easing lockdown restrictions across the UK on Sunday, May 10.
In his address to the nation, the PM urged those who are unable to work from home to return to their workplaces avoiding public transport where possible.
Additionally, people were encouraged to take more and even unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise.
People were also able to sit in parks, drive to other destinations and even play spots with members in their household.
In addition, members of the public were able to from that time meet with one person outside their household in a public space so long as social distancing measures are adhered to.
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The loosened UK Government guidelines came into effect from May 13.
From that time people were allowed to engage in open water swimming.
This means paddling in lakes, rivers and the sea was permitted.
Public and privately run open water facilities can also welcome swimmers too, however, as yet many have remained closed for health and safety reasons.
So far, there have been no concrete announcements about when indoor swimming pools and lidos will be able to remain open.
They will remain closed until at least July 4.
This is the date the Government have tentatively said will be when hotels, restaurants and other hospitality businesses can begin to reopen provided they can do so safely.
It is currently likely that when pools do reopen, fewer swimmers will be allowed in at once and for less time.
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Swim England has announced that on June 15 they will issue “robust guidance to help the aquatics sector prepare for the reopening of pools”.
This means from that time many facilities will be better equipped to prepare to reopen their facilities safely if the Government permits in July.
Before swimmings pools can be reopened it is likely a number of conditions will need to be implemented, including:
- Using bookable slots
- Cutting capacity
- Implementing strict changing room protocols
- Banning lounging beside the pool
- Encouraging swimming for exercise rather than relaxation.
Leisure centres and gyms have also been closed since March.
Many fitness fans have said going to the gym and/or leisure centre in the physical activity they miss the most.
Before the coronavirus crisis, total UK gym membership broke records hitting 10 million.
Currently, similarly to swimming pools, it seems likely leisure centres will remain closed until.
In the Government’s roadmap document unveiled on May 11, reopening outdoor spaces and sporting activities such as golf and tennis would come in earlier than indoor gyms because of the risk level.
The document reads: “People may exercise outside as many times each day as they wish.
“For example, this would include angling and tennis.
“You will still not be able to use areas like playgrounds, outdoor gyms or ticketed outdoor leisure venues, where there is a higher risk of close contact and touching surfaces.
“You can only exercise with up to one person from outside your household – this means you should not play team sports, except with members of your own household.”
The document says the Government’s “ambition” is to start reopening other leisure facilities from July 4, but that it “may only be possible significantly later, depending on the reduction in numbers of infections”.
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