With lockdown measures beginning to ease across England, many people are starting to wonder when gyms, swimming pools and other leisure sports can resume.
Now, Swim England has provided provisional guidance for swimmers in England, so that when swimming pools do reopen, we all know what to expect.
The new guidelines, called the Returning to Pool Guidance, will help reduce the risk of catching or spreading coronavirus, ensuring as much social distancing as possible and making sure swimmers minimise time in changing rooms.
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The guidance - based on the latest scientific advice - includes arriving with your swimwear under your clothes, showing at home (pre and post swim) and avoiding certain strokes.
"Arrive ready to swim. Once you have finished your swim, leave the venue as soon as you can," the guidance states.
"Shower at home, pre and post swimming (showers may be available at the facility but by arriving wearing your swimwear under your clothing and showering at home pre and post swimming you will help minimise time spent in the changing rooms and help maintain the water quality)."
Swimmers should also avoid the butterfly stroke when the lanes become busy and mustn't overtake while swimming.
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"Wide strokes such as butterfly should be avoided when the lanes become busy. If you change to a slower stroke as part of your session, think about moving lanes," it states.
Users will also be encouraged to use hand sanitiser wherever made available and spend as little time as possible in the changing rooms.
Of course, social distancing should also be maintained at all times.
"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 guidelines state.
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Swimmers should also bring their own pre-filled water bottles (instead of filling up) and if you are taking equipment such as floats, ensure they are clean and identifiable as being yours before you arrive.
Swim England also remind swimmers not to come to the facility at all if they are showing any symptoms of Covid-19 (a fever, cough, difficulty breathing or loss of taste or smell).
The government are currently yet to reveal when swimming pools can reopen, but you can view the full guidance here, for when they do.
Featured Image Credit: UnsplashTopics: News, Coronavirus