All public and private pools in England have been forced to close until at least Wednesday 2 December as part of the restrictions introduced to combat the spread of coronavirus. This is what the new restrictions mean for all aquatic activity.
School swimming:
School swimming lessons as part of the national curriculum can take place in a school-owned pool or usual venue if the operator is open.
Universities and boarding schools
Swim England understands boarding schools may use their own facilities for their pupils as now, but may not invite those outside the boarding school into the facilities. This will be confirmed later today. It is understood university pools may only open for elite return-to-training purposes.
Private and public pools
All pools must close unless able to stay open to facilitate school swimming lessons only. Private pools are only be used by the owner’s immediate family or support bubble and must not be hired out.
Club activity
Club activity at pools must not take place at pools during the lockdown. Virtual home activity sessions can be organised by clubs to help keep members active.
Learn to swim (excluding school swimming)
All learn to swim sessions, including baby swimming, are on hold during the lockdown. No 1-2-1 lessons that are held in private or endless pools can take place.
Elite training
Elite training can continue in designated facilities under the original Return to Training Guidance. Only those swimmers who were named on the original list during the first lockdown are eligible. Swim England will be working with British Swimming to try to keep these swimmers in the water if possible.