Swimming lessons have resumed at Calderdale pools for the first time in 14 months, supporting young people to learn this important life skill.
From Monday 17 May, it’s been possible to introduce additional facilities at Calderdale’s sports centre sites. This includes the reopening of facilities at North Bridge Leisure Centre as well as further options at sites already open at Brighouse, Sowerby Bridge and Todmorden.
As part of this reopening phase, swimming lessons for children have also now resumed at Calderdale’s pools and many are eager to return to the pool. All those whose lessons have been affected by the Halifax Pool closure have been contacted and alternative provision arranged.
Sites are carefully following ongoing government restrictions and required safety measures, meaning that only one activity can run in the pool at any one time. The return of lessons does mean that space and time in the pool is therefore limited and sites are doing all they can to accommodate swimming clubs, lessons and public swimming sessions.
New timetables for public sessions are now online and both swim and gym sessions must continue to be booked in advance. Visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/sport to find out more. Indoor fitness classes, which have now resumed at all sites, must also be booked in advance and social distancing means places are limited.
Strict safety measures are in place and all sites remain ‘cashless’ with only card payments allowed. There are signs and floor markings throughout each centre to help with social distancing, as well as hand sanitisation units around the buildings and protective screens in reception areas. Additional cleaning is also taking place to ensure the buildings and equipment are regularly sanitised and available for use.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Cllr Jenny Lynn, said:
“It’s fantastic news that children are now able to resume swimming lessons at our sports centres. The cancellation of lessons due to COVID restrictions has meant that many young people have missed out on experience in the water. With summer approaching and restrictions on travel relaxing, many families may be planning trips to the coast, and it’s really important that young people know how to swim and be safe in and around water.
“Although we’re delighted that lessons are resuming, it will have a knock-on effect on other swimming sessions as there are still Government restrictions in place on the number of activities that can take place in the pool at any one time. We apologise for any disruption this may cause to public swimming sessions, but every effort is being taken to accommodate all users and we’ll continue to assess the situation and adapt where possible, in line with restrictions. The situation should be much improved when we can move to the next stage of the Government’s roadmap.
“We’re really excited to welcome all our sports users back to our sites, but it’s important that we can do this safely so ask for the patience and cooperation of all users to make sure that every visit is a safe and enjoyable one.”