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- From Monday 12 April, indoor swimming pools can be reopened for individual use or within household groups.
It goes without saying that swimming is ideal for runners – it’s a great form of cross training for those who train for a half marathon or marathon, and can help injured runners recover faster.
As indoor and outdoor reopening in the UK, this is how you can stay safe.
Is it safe to go swimming – can COVID-19 be distributed in the pool?
The Pool Water Treatment and Advisory Group (PWTAG) said earlier in the outbreak of coronavirus after consulting with Public Health England.
‘We checked with our national clues confirming that coronavirus would be activated at the levels of chlorine used in swimming pools.
“However, visitors to swimming pools are reminded to take a shower before using the pool, to shower when leaving the pool and to take the necessary hygiene precautions when visiting public places to reduce the risk of infection.”
The World Health Organization recommends that chlorine levels of 15 mg / min / liter are sufficient to kill non-enveloped viruses such as poliovirus, rotavirus and coxsackievirus, and an enveloped virus such as Covid-19 will be inactivated at even lower levels, the document reads. .
When are pools likely to reopen?
Recreational facilities, including swimming pools, gyms and recreation centers, had to remain forced to limit the spread of coronavirus.
From Monday 29 March, outdoor pools and lidos plus open water rooms will be allowed as lock-in begins to ease.
From Monday 12 April, indoor swimming pools, as well as gyms and other sports facilities, can be reopened for individual use or within domestic groups.
What do the new Swim England guidelines say?
Last year, the guidelines announced by Swim England set out the precautions that swimmers should take when returning to the pool. At the moment, swimming pools are closed, but if they are allowed to reopen, swimmers must take the following precautions:
- You should not go to the pool if you have any COVID-19 symptoms.
- You should check the schedule and swimming guidelines of your local pool before leaving the house.
- You should try to be ready to swim by the pool, with your swimsuit or swimsuit on to reduce the time you spend in the locker room. After swimming, you must leave. Shower at home before and after swimming.
- You must also shower before entering the pool, the guidelines state: ‘showering before swimming is an important contribution to ensuring that the free chlorine in the pool water is available for the disinfection of SARS-CoV-2.’
- Take the hand sanitizer with you and make sure that all equipment or aids (eg floats / kickboards) are clearly marked from you and cleaned before you go to the pool.
- Follow the guidelines for facilities at the pool about the duration of your swim and social distance when you are in the pool.
- As for the overtaking in the pool, Swim England said: ‘Choose your course with the fast, medium and slow signs and look at those who are already swimming. Please do not catch up while swimming. Before turning around at every turn, you need to see if it gets any closer. ‘
- Broad strokes such as butterfly should be avoided when lanes are busy.
- Swimming England gave the following advice during the break: ‘Whether you are going to rest or catch your breath after your swim, you should note that others who use the track want to keep swimming without stopping; so keep yourself on the edge of the track so that others can turn against the wall, turn their heads away, and allow others to maintain social distance measures. ‘
The full list of guidelines can be found here on the Swim England website.
When will the school’s swimming lessons resume?
According to the guidelines on the Swim England website, ‘school swimming could continue during the national exclusion for pupils who go to school in person. From March 8, when schools go face-to-face learning for all pupils again, they can all take school swimming lessons, either in their own school pool if the school has one, or in a public pool when it is open. ‘
Is it safe for the elderly, or people with health conditions to return to the pool?
Swimming is a fantastic activity for the elderly and disabled. At the moment, swimming pools may not open, this means that those who are elderly or have health conditions cannot use the facilities.
Do I have to wear a face mask in the pool?
No, it is not necessary to wear a face mask or cover in the pool. In their guidelines, Swim England says: ‘When the mask / cover gets wet, it becomes difficult to breathe and it promotes the growth of microorganisms. The most important preventative measure during exercise is to maintain the physical distance. ‘
I’m BAME – is it safe to return to the pool?
It has been widely reported that BAME groups are at higher risk of developing Covid-19. In their frequently asked questions about returning to the pool, Swim England acknowledges this and writes: ‘BAME groups run a higher risk, but it remains unclear whether it is genetic, related to illness or behavior (including community). The same rules apply to everyone, but their risk is higher, and it is a personal choice to participate in activities under the current scientifically supported operational guidance. No further adjustments need to be made. This also applies to older people and other illnesses. There is no risk with covid and everyone who does something needs to find a balance. ‘
Yes, you can swim in the sea or in a lake. The government guidelines state:
You need to reduce time spent outside your home, but you can leave your home to exercise. It should be limited to once a day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
You can practice in a public place:
- on your own
- with the people you live with
- with your support bubble (if you can legally form one)
- in a childcare bubble where childcare is provided
- or, if you are alone, with 1 person from another household
This includes but is not limited to running, cycling, walking and swim. Personal training can be continued one-on-one, unless everyone is within the same household or support bubble.
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