When will swimming pools open? Indoor and outdoor dates explained
The current lockdown restrictions require both indoor and outdoor pools across the UK to close their doors to visitors.
However, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s newly revealed roadmap, swimmers across England have a better idea of when they can go back to their aquatic activities.
Those in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are also keen to find out when pools will open, and what Covid-19 safety measures will be in place.
Here’s all you need to know.
When will outdoor swimming pools open?
The earliest date for the reopening of outdoor swimming pools in England is March 29.
The restrictions on outdoor pools will be lifted at the same time as other outdoor sports facilities, such as sports courts, riding centres, and golf courses.
People will be allowed to mix in with members of up to two households or with a group of six people.
As for Wales, its lockdown restrictions will be reviewed on March 12, when more information on their roadmap might be revealed.
In Scotland, swimming pools and other leisure activities are set to resume from April 26.
And, Northern Ireland will reassess its lockdown rules on March 18.
When will indoor swimming pools open?
Across England, the earliest date for the reopening of indoor swimming pools has been determined to be April 12.
Indoor swimming pools will begin welcoming visitors at the same time as indoor gyms and leisure facilities, as well as non-essential retail stores.
Wales hasn’t provided a clear date by which indoor swimming pools will be reopened, but it is set to review its guidelines on March 12.
Scotland will allow indoor pools to get back to business from April 26, alongside gyms.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland won’t be setting a date for the reopening of indoor pools until at least March 18.
What safety measures will swimming pools take once they are open?
Once swimming facilities are reopened, they are likely to ask anyone with Covid-19 symptoms to avoid paying a visit.
When pools had briefly welcomed guests last summer, they had kept their changing rooms and showers closed, and asked their visitors to come to the pool swim-ready.
Swimmers were encouraged to keep their distance from others, stay in their lane, swim in a clockwise direction.
The venues sanitised their pools by reheating their water once every hour and using chlorine to inactivate viruses.
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