When will swimming pools open in Scotland? Date leisure centres can reopen - and the new safety rules in place

Nicola Sturgeon announced that swimming pools and gyms can reopen in Scotland from 31 August

Non-essential shops, pubs, restaurants and hairdressers have now all reopened in Scotland.

But if you’re a keen swimmer and eager to get back in your local pool, you may be wondering when it will open its doors to customers again?

Here’s everything you need to know.

The UK currently remains under lockdown, but many are now wondering when shops, hairdressers and gyms could begin to reopen again, after restrictions were first put in place on 23 March (Photo: Shutterstock)The UK currently remains under lockdown, but many are now wondering when shops, hairdressers and gyms could begin to reopen again, after restrictions were first put in place on 23 March (Photo: Shutterstock)
The UK currently remains under lockdown, but many are now wondering when shops, hairdressers and gyms could begin to reopen again, after restrictions were first put in place on 23 March (Photo: Shutterstock)
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When will swimming pools reopen?

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In phase one, from May 29, outdoor swimming in Scotland was once again permitted, along with other outside activities including golf, canoeing and hiking.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced on 20 August that the country will remain in phase 3 of the easing of lockdown restrictions, but that swimming pools will be able to reopen from Monday 31 August.

Prior to this, Ms Sturgeon announced on 30 July an indicative opening date for pools of 14 September, explaining that this would be kept under review in order to consider whether an earlier opening date was feasible.

Both swimming pools and gyms can now reopen from 31 August.

In England, outdoor and indoor pools have now reopened.

What safety measures will be put in place?

It’s likely that when pools do reopen, fewer swimmers will be allowed in at a once - and for less time.

Gym members could also be asked to frequently wash their hands during visits.

Swim England has been sharing information with Scottish Swimming, Sport England, Swim Ireland and Swim Wales, alongside providing initial guidance to the government on how to reopen more than 4,000 of the country’s swimming pools.

It has also developed more detailed recommendations for operators, clubs and swim schools, based on the latest scientific guidance on the measures needed to ensure the safe use of facilities following the coronavirus lockdown.

Swim England issued its Returning to the Pool advice ahead of the Government giving the green light for the public to return to swimming pools.

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Included in the documents are recommendations for operators, casual swimmers, lane swimming, family-fun sessions, club activity, teachers and those attending swimming lessons.

Richard Lamburn, Swim England Head of Facilities, previously said: “A lot of pools have never closed before so we’ve been providing the guidance and support needed to local authorities and operators to ensure they were safely shut down and maintained.”

“The science and understanding of Covid-19 in the swimming pool environment is evolving every day and we are continuing to monitor and support research in this area in cooperation with international partners.

“We will be developing our guidance in line with scientific research and alongside the information from the Government on the national exit of lockdown.”