Swim England Aiming To Reopen Pools on 4 July; Guidance Issued For Open Water Training

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Photo Courtesy: Becca Wyant

Swim England are aiming for swimming pools to reopen on 4 July with detailed guidance set to be issued on 15 June.

They also confirmed that open water training sessions involving up to six people – including the coach – can operate after lockdown restrictions were eased.

The governing body has been working closely with Public Health England, Sport England, leisure operators, home country partners and a panel of representatives from clubs, swim schools, volunteers and other key stakeholders across the country to ensure the guidance is comprehensive and covers the spectrum of pool users from club swimmers to learn to swim.

Swim England

Photo Courtesy: Swim England

A statement by chief executive Jane Nickerson said:

“I would like to reassure you this consultation has been wide-reaching and that’s another reason why it hasn’t been rushed out.

“For clubs, the guidance will help to guide their decisions and support them to take an approach that meets their needs and is appropriate and safe for their circumstances.

“It will also highlight to everyone who visits a facility, for whatever reason, the constraints and major financial challenges that operators now face.

“A trip to the pool will be very different when the Government gives facilities the green light to reopen.

“Thankfully, we are moving forward in a positive way and the guidance being released on Monday 15 June is another step closer to achieving our long-awaited return.”

The announcement came the same day as they updated guidance for open water swimming training after Government guidelines allowed groups of up to six people from different households in England to meet outside.

That opened up the opportunity for outdoor land training with one coach and five athletes, for example while clubs can run open water training sessions in small groups of up to six.

A Swim England spokesperson said:

“In all instances, risk assessments must be carried out and risk management put in place covering Covid-19 requirements and participant/coach safety.

“Please note, these are ever-evolving documents which take into account the most up-to-date Government guidelines which have been set out.

“Risk assessments are key to evidencing that the risk is being assessed and managed and this is something that the Government has highlighted must be taking place.

“It is essential that the club record and evidence that they are working to and controlling the social distancing measures expected by the Government.

“It is also important to remember that should any member act illegally, criminal actions would not be insured by the insurance policy.

“This includes breaking the Government lockdown restrictions and social distancing requirements.”

 

 

 

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