'Positive sign' as Government and public health officials inspect swimming pools

Government and public health officials have toured four swimming pools to see at first-hand how facilities are able to operate safely.

Swim England chief executive Jane Nickerson has welcomed the visits as a ‘positive sign’ in the fight to reopen pools across the country, having been at the forefront of the call for scientific evidence on why pools cannot open.

The delegation, led by Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, and public health officials, were taken around four pools – both indoor and outdoor.

Recommendations from the delegation to reopen pools, following Swim England guidance published last month, will be made to Government ministers.

Moving in the right direction

Jane said: “Yesterday, we presented our petition to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and we thank everyone again for the support they have given to our #OpenOurPools campaign.

“I am pleased to update everyone that the visit today was positive. We still await an official announcement when pools can reopen again but we see this a positive sign that things are moving in the right direction.”

The delegation also visited a number of gyms.

Swim England launched its #OpenOurPools campaign after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said gyms and leisure facilities would have to remain closed when the latest lockdown measures are eased on 4 July.