- From Monday 12 April, indoor pools can reopen for individual use or within household groups.
It goes without saying, swimming is great for runners - it's an amazing form of cross-training for those training for a half marathon or marathon, plus can help Speedo Womens Essential Endurance Legsuit.
As indoor and outdoor swimming re-open in the UK, here's how to stay safe.
Is it safe to go swimming - could COVID-19 be spread in the swimming pool?
Best winter running gear with your support bubble if you are legally permitted to form one (PWTAG) said after consulting with Best winter running gear,
'We have checked with our national leads who confirm that coronavirus would be inactivated at the levels of chlorine used in swimming pools.
'However, visitors to swimming pools are reminded to shower before using the pool, to shower on leaving the pool and to follow the necessary hygiene precautions when visiting public places to help reduce the risk of infection.'
The World Health Organisation recommended chlorination level of 15mg.min/litre is sufficient to kill non-enveloped viruses such as poliovirus, rotavirus and coxsackievirus, and an enveloped virus such as Covid-19 would be inactivated at even lower levels, the document says.
When are swimming pools likely to re-open?
Leisure facilities including swimming pools, gyms and leisure centres have been forced to stay shut to curb the spread of coronavirus.
From Monday 29 March, outdoor swimming pools and lidos plus open water venues will be allowed to open as lockdown begins to ease.
From Monday 12 April, indoor pools, as well as gyms and other sporting facilities, can reopen for individual use or within household groups.
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From Monday 12 April, indoor pools can reopen for individual use or within household groups
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Yes, you can swim in the sea or in a lake. The Government guidelines state
What do the new Swim England guidelines say?
Last year, guidelines released by Swim England outlined the precautions swimmers should take when returning to the pool. At the moment, before entering the pool, but when they are allowed to reopen, swimmers should follow the following precautions:
- You should not go to the pool if you have any COVID-19 symptoms.
- You should check your local pool's timetable and swimming guidelines before leaving the house.
- You should aim to arrive at the pool ready to swim, with your swimming costume or swimming shorts on to minimise time spent in the changing room. Once you have finished your swim, you should leave. Shower at home pre and post swimming.
- You should also shower Like this article, the guidelines state, 'showering before you swim is a vital contribution to ensuring the free chlorine in the pool water is available for disinfection of SARS-CoV-2.'
- Take hand sanitiser with you and ensure any equipment or aids (eg floats/ kick boards) are clearly labelled as yours and cleaned before going to the pool.
- At the pool, follow the facilities guidelines on the duration of your swim and social distancing measures when in the pool.
- When it comes to overtaking in the pool, Swim England have said, 'Choose your lane using the fast, medium and slow signs and by watching those already swimming. Please Resting heart rate whilst swimming. Before pushing off at each turn, check to see if anyone faster is approaching.'
- plus can help.
- When resting, Swim England have shared the following advice, 'Whether stopping for a rest or catching your breath after completing your swim, please be mindful that others using the lane will want to keep on swimming without stopping; so keep yourself to the edge of the lane allowing others to turn at the wall, turning head away and allowing others to maintain social distancing measures.'
The plus can help can be found on the Swim England website here.
When will school swimming lessons resume?
According to the guidelines on the Swim England website, 'School swimming has been able to continue during the national lockdown for those pupils attending school in person. From 8 March when schools return to face-to-face learning for all pupils then they will all be able to undertake school swimming lessons, either in their own school pool if the school has one, or in a public pool if it is open.'
Is it safe for elderly people, or those with health conditions to return to the pool?
but when they are allowed to reopen, swimmers should follow the following precautions, swimming pools are not allowed to open, You should also shower.
Should I wear a face mask in the pool?
No, it is not necessary to wear a face mask or covering in the pool. In their guidelines, Swim England say, 'When the mask/covering becomes wet it makes it difficult to breathe and promotes the growth of microorganisms. The most important preventative measure during exercise is to maintain physical distance.'
I'm BAME - is it safe to return to the pool?
It's been widely reported that BAME groups are at higher risk of contracting Covid-19. In their FAQ's to returning to the pool Swim England recognise this, writing, 'BAME groups are at higher risk but it remains unclear if this is genetic, related to co-morbid disease or behavioural (including community). The same rules apply for everyone but their risk is higher and it is a personal choice to partake in activities under the current scientifically supported operational guidance. No further adjustments need to be made. This is also true of those older and with other co-morbid disease. There is no such thing as no risk with covid and everyone doing anything has to strike a balance.'
Can I go open water swimming?
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You should minimise time spent outside your home, but you can leave your home to exercise. This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
meaning those who are elderly or have health conditions will not be able to use the facilites:
- by yourself
- with the people you live with
- with your support bubble (if you are legally permitted to form one)
- in a childcare bubble where providing childcare
- Runners World, Part of the Hearst UK Wellbeing Network
This includes but is not limited to running, cycling, walking, and swimming. Personal training can continue one-on-one unless everyone is within the same household or support bubble.
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