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Swimming pool users will have to adapt to a ‘new normal’ to ensure the safety of everyone visiting and working at facilities, according to guidance published by Swim England today. The national governing body has issued its’ Returning to the Pool advice ahead of the Government giving the green light for a return to the water. Included in the five detailed documents are robust recommendations for operators, casual swimmers, lane swimming, family-fun sessions, club activity, teachers and those attending swimming lessons.

Jane Nickerson, Swim England Chief Executive, thanked everyone who had contributed to the in-depth guidance. She said: “We have all been missing the water during the Covid-19 enforced closure of swimming pools. Swim England is therefore delighted to be able to produce this guidance to help ensure the safe return to the water once swimming pools are allowed to open again. Our first priority remains the safety of everyone involved in our sports, be they participants, leisure centre staff, coaches or volunteers. When pools reopen, it will not be a case of ‘business as usual’ and we know that things will have to be different. However, if we are to play our part in protecting the NHS from another wave of Covid-19 admissions, it is important we follow the latest guidance and adjust to the new ‘normal’.

The Swim England CEO reiterated that “This guidance has been produced in collaboration with experts from across the sector and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to its creation” and added that the decision to reopen pools rests with the Government, warning that even when the date is announced, some facilities might not be open immediately. She continued: “While the guidance contains vital information on how to reopen facilities, unfortunately it doesn’t include the key date on when pools can open. We will continue to lobby the Government for a reopening date but, ultimately, we have to be guided by them on this. There has been plenty of Covid-19 guidance produced but we have not simply followed other countries leads on this. Our dedicated staff have worked tirelessly to create robust recommendations that are fit for purpose and cover all aspects of aquatic activity. It’s a living, breathing document that will be regularly updated but we hope it gives our members, clubs, teachers, coaches, swim schools and pool operators the clarity they need to move forward together as a sector – safely and confidently.”

The Swim England guidance specifically covers the use of the pool. All advice around leisure centre’s wider space, such as reception and changing rooms, will be issued by the Government at a later date.

Issued 15 June

Dorset’s Weyport Masters SC is the first club in the South West Region to be awarded Stronger Affiliation. The Swim England portal for submissions only went live on Monday 1 June, so the club has not wasted any time in accomplishing the task. Congratulations Weyport Masters – job well done!

Swim England has issued new recommendations on land training and open water club activity after the Coronavirus lockdown was eased by the Government. From Monday 1 June, Government guidelines allow groups of up to six people from different households in England to meet outside. This opens up the opportunity, for example, for outdoor land training with one coach and five athletes.

Swim England can confirm that insurance cover will apply as long as clubs and their members are adhering to the Government guidelines and the national governing body’s latest land training guidelines are followed. This includes coaches only delivering activity for which they have been trained and clubs ensuring that they have acquired the relevant permit, if necessary, for the outdoor space they are using.

Additionally, Swim England has issued specific guidance on open water swimming training for clubs. This outlines how in certain circumstances, where it is safe to do so, clubs will be able to run open water training sessions in small groups of up to six (including the coach). To do so, coaches must have an appropriately recognised open water coaching qualification, such as the Swim England Qualifications Level 2 Coaching Open Water Swimming Qualification. If this is not the case, then the club’s Swim England insurance policy will be void.

Ever-evolving guidance

A Swim England spokesperson said: “In all instances, risk assessments must be carried out and risk management put in place covering Covid-19 requirements and participant/coach safety. Please note, these are ever-evolving documents which take into account the most up-to-date Government guidelines which have been set out. Risk assessments are key to evidencing that the risk is being assessed and managed and this is something that the Government has highlighted must be taking place. It is essential that the club record and evidence that they are working to and controlling the social distancing measures expected by the Government. It is also important to remember that should any member act illegally, criminal actions would not be insured by the insurance policy. This includes breaking the Government lockdown restrictions and social distancing requirements.”

Issued 1 June 2020

Swim England has announced all its remaining national events in 2020 have now been cancelled. The decision has been taken to allow the national governing body to start planning for its competitions in 2021. It will also ensure athletes do not rush back to full fitness and potentially put themselves at the risk of injury when pools are eventually reopened. Swim England had already called off events in all disciplines until the end of August because of the Covid-19 pandemic  – which included the National Summer Meet.

Now it has been confirmed the following national competitions will not take place:

• September: Swim England Open Water National Masters Championships (Nene Park, Peterborough).
• October: Swim England National County Team Championships (Ponds Forge); Swim England Masters National Championships (Ponds Forge).
• November: Swim England Water Polo National Age Group Championships U15s Finals (Ponds Forge); Swim England Artistic Swimming National Masters Championships (K2 Crawley); Swim England Masters Swimming Inter County Team Event (various venues).
• December: Swim England Winter Championships (Ponds Forge).

Plan for the future

George Wood, Swim England Director of Sport Development, said: “We know our athletes will be saddened to hear we’ve called off the remainder of our events this year – we’re extremely disappointed too. It was a decision we deliberated long and hard over but felt that with the current uncertainty still surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, and with no knowledge as to when mass gatherings will be allowed, we were better off starting to prepare for next year’s competitions.”

He continued; “We appreciate open water swimming is currently taking place but it would be difficult to stage the National Masters Championships due to the social distancing measures that are in force. We hope our members, clubs and competitive athletes in all disciplines will all be back in pools soon, enjoying the sports they love. But we have to be realistic and understand that getting ready for competitive action isn’t something that’s going to happen overnight, which was also a factor in our decision. Now at least we can start to plan for the future.”

The issuing of event licences is currently suspended and will continue to be so until further notice. Any licences that have already been issued are provisional in status.

The Swim England Discipline Leadership Groups will publish guidance for the reintroduction of competition, licensed or otherwise in their respective discipline once appropriate information is known.

Meanwhile, the Swim England National Awards, which was scheduled to take place in November, has also been cancelled.

Issued 27 May 2020