In two weeks’ time, we shall be releasing detailed guidance on the reopening of pools.
You may have seen articles in the media over the weekend which highlighted some of the recommendations that are likely to be in the report.
We make no excuse for talking to the national press. We want Swim England and all our aquatic disciplines to be at the forefront of the Government’s thinking as they plan for the next stage of easing the lockdown.
We revealed details to try and manage expectations of what is likely to happen if – and it still is an if – pools do reopen, as we hope they will, on 4 July.
At this time, we are bound by the Government on when we’ll be able to get back to the sports we all love.
One thing is clear – initially things aren’t going to be the same when pools do reopen.
We will have to adhere to social distancing guidelines in changing rooms, the poolside and the water itself as well of the rest of the building and be more mindful of our surroundings.
Coronavirus signage from a website like Seton (find out more) has been used to remind guests to keep 2 metres apart where possible.
Some pools may request that there are fewer non-swimming individuals dryside to help them comply with these guidelines.
Extremely comprehensive
Rest assured, though, children will continue to be welcomed into pools to learn to swim and enjoy the water safely.
Our aim is to ensure this guidance is extremely comprehensive and covers the wide range of pool users.
To achieve that goal, we have been consulting 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.
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.
Stay safe.
Jane M Nickerson
Swim England Chief Executive
“SENW has taken the decision to cancel the forthcoming Regional Age and Youth Championships. The decision has been taken following the Government’s announcement to implement increased social distancing, avoid crowds gathering and carrying out unnecessary travel.
Cancelling events is not a decision to take lightly but following the latest announcement from the Government it is only right and fair to our clubs and members that we make this announcement.
We understand the frustration of those who have been training hard for our competitions, but the health and wellbeing of our athletes, coaches and volunteers is of paramount importance to us.
Information regarding refunds for entries and coaches passes will be communicated later this week once the process has been established.
We would like to apologise to everyone for any inconvenience and disappointment these cancellations may cause but hope you understand this decision has been taken out of our hands due to the unprecedented situation we are facing.”
On behalf of:
SENW Management Board
SENW Event Management Committee
Linkhttps://swimnorthwest.org/news/statement-regarding-senw-summer-championships/
Swim England announces when guidance for reopening pools will be published
22 May 2020 Swim England News
Robust guidance to help the aquatics sector prepare for the reopening of pools will be released by Swim England on Monday 15 June.
The recognised national governing body has been working in collaboration with industry partners to produce the detailed document.
It has been developed in consultation with Sport England and Public Health England for all areas of aquatic activity, including pool operations, learn to swim plus community and club swimming.
There is also specific information for all the aquatic disciplines – swimming, diving, artistic swimming and water polo.
Jane Nickerson, Swim England Chief Executive, said: “Government guidance clearly states that pools in England cannot reopen before 4 July and it is still unknown whether that will be the date that this happens – that is a decision for the Government.
“However, we want to be in a position where the aquatic sector has clear, effective and high quality guidance to support its preparation for reopening.”
The work is being led by the Swim England team, who are consulting with key stakeholders such as leisure operators and home country partners, to ensure the guidance is practical and applicable.
Grateful for the support
A Review Group is also in place, with specialists from within Swim England and a range of partner organisations to ensure that the information is as robust as possible.
The final draft will be made available to sector organisations for comment before it is finalised.
Also in the documentation are details around pool programming, observing social distancing, pool water treatment, air handling and circulation, risk assessment tools around social distancing and the customer journey.
Jane added: “I am grateful for the support that we are receiving from so many of our partners in the development of this guidance.
“We know it will evolve over time based on the emerging scientific and government information but we want to make sure that we have the best possible starting point, taking into account our own specific conditions and challenges.”
The guidance information will be released by midday on Monday 15 June and will be in a format which can be updated as more scientific knowledge and data is obtained.
In the meantime, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs page continues to be updated regularly.