Swim England determined to fight for swift reopening as lockdown rules confirmed

Swim England has expressed its sadness and a determination to fight for a swift reopening for pools after the Government confirmed only school swimming lessons can take place in the second national lockdown.

All public and private pools have been forced to close until at least Wednesday 2 December as part of the restrictions introduced to combat the spread of coronavirus.

Swim England chief executive Jane Nickerson has urged the Government to ensure pools can reopen at the earliest possible opportunity for the physical and mental health benefit of the nation – and to help avoid more facilities closing for good.

During the lockdown, only school swimming lessons, as part of the national curriculum, can go ahead.

There was hope that learn to swim sessions and organised club sessions for under 18s would be allowed to continue under the supervised activities for children in the new legislation but the Cabinet Office has confirmed this is not the case and the clause related to childcare only.

Jane said: “We’re obviously saddened that all public and private pools have to close for the next four weeks, meaning all club training in the water, learn to swim lessons – except for school swimming lessons – and aquatic activity for those who can’t exercise on dry land is forced to stop.

Click here to read the full story on the Swim England website.