‘New normal’ swimming rules if pools reopen next month would see swimmers turning up ‘beach ready’ in costumes, changing rooms closed and 16ft distancing enforced in lanes
- Under the new proposal there will be no more than five swimmers in each lane
- Those visiting a pool will need to ensure that they swim in a clockwise direction
- In the early days swimmers will be encouraged not to use the changing rooms
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Swimmers will have to abide by strict lane rules and no longer be able to use the changing rooms under strict new government guidelines.
As more than 4,000 of the UK’s swimming pools prepare to open once again, swimmers will be met with a host of new restrictions in an effort to control the spread of the coronavirus.
Under the new proposals, which will be published on June 12, those visiting a swimming pool will need to ensure they are ‘beach ready’ in a costume and have to swim in a clockwise direction.
The new plans will see a typical 25-metre pool cut from three lanes to six and ensure there are no more than 30 people in a pool in total.
Under the new proposals, which will be published on June 12, swimmers may not be able to use a changing room and will need to ensure they keep 16ft (five metres) away from others in a lane. (Stock image)
In order to contain the spread of the virus, there will be no more than five swimmers per lane who will have to keep 16ft (five metres) apart and diving will also be banned.
Those looking to stop for a break will need to make sure they are at the edge of a lane and have their head facing the wall.
Chief executive of Swim England Jane Nickerson told The Times: ‘In the early days, it may be that you are encouraged not to use the changing rooms.’
She added: ‘What we’re suggesting is going to be ”beach ready”. Some pools might ask you just to put on a towelling robe and- lets hope you’re not on a bus, you’re in a car- travel home like that.’
Ms Nickerson added that children who do not have a swimming lesson would no longer be permitted inside pools ‘for some time’.
‘It will be a much stricter regime,’ she added.
The head of Swim England went on to say that the chlorine levels of the swimming pool will also be checked more often to ensure the dosage is enough to destroy germs.
Swim England announced it would be shutting down pools in the country on March 20. (Stock image)
On March 20, Swim England announced it would be shutting down pools in England in line with government guidelines.
In April, the body confirmed it was working with the Government to help devise a plan that would enable the country to open more than 4,000 pools.
Richard Lamburn, Swim England Head of Facilities, said at the time: ‘We’ve been in discussions with government departments and provided initial guidance on the re-opening of swimming pools.
‘The science and understanding of Covid-19 in the swimming pool environment is evolving every day and we are continuing to monitor and support research in this area in cooperation with international partners.
‘We will be developing our guidance in line with scientific research and alongside the information from the Government on the national exit of lockdown.’