The Cambridge City Council pool, which is run by contractor GLL on behalf of the council, was not able to open in May due to the Coronavirus lockdown.
Now that the government has given the go ahead for outdoor pools to reopen, preparations are under way to get the facility ready for customers.
The new opening times are Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6pm until Sunday 30 August.
There will be a number of changes to support social distancing that mean the pool will operate differently to how it has in the past. These include:
- Entry will be via pre-booked one-hour slots for adults and strong junior swimmers aged 11 or over only. Bookings can be made via the Better UK app or www.better.org.uk/book from 6pm on Tuesday 21 July
- Members can book seven days in advance and non-members can book five days in advance
- Lane swimming only (three lanes will be available)
- A maximum of 75 people in the pool at any one time
- An expectation that customers arrive ready to change for their swim at poolside and use the changing rooms after their swim only
- Hand sanitisers on site for customers to use when they arrive although customers are asked to bring their own too
- New signage and floor markings around the pool creating a one-way system
- An enhanced cleaning regime
- New poolside showers
- No spectating or sunbathing by the pool
- The café and sauna will not be available
The council and GLL are working on options to include some family swimming sessions in August if possible.
Cllr Anna Smith, Executive Councillor for Communities, said: “Swimming is one of the best ways of exercising and there is nowhere better to do it than Jesus Green outdoor pool on a warm summer’s day.
“We understand that some people will be disappointed that the pool is not operating as it did before lockdown with hours to swim and sunbathe but the new arrangements will still offer an enjoyable, safe way to get some healthy exercise.
“We know that exercise is really important for our physical and mental wellbeing and we want to do everything possible to help people make the most of the health and fitness opportunities in Cambridge.”
Daryl Emes, Cambridgeshire Partnership Manager of GLL, said: “We’re delighted to be re-opening Jesus Green Lido again to welcome back our staff and customers.
“We know how much people have missed being able to swim and that it will be of huge benefit not only to people’s physical wellbeing, but their mental wellbeing too.
“The experience will be different to previous years, in light of the extra procedures, pre-booking and timed slots, but we need to put these measures in place to ensure everyone’s visit is enjoyable and most importantly safe.
The pool is unheated but swimmers can check the water temperature range on the Better UK app and at www.better.org.uk. It is likely to be around 14-16C when first opened.
Further information including swimming prices are available here: https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/jesus-green-outdoor-pool
Unfortunately, council owned paddling pools and splashpads will remain closed throughout the summer. As they offer unrestricted access, it is not feasible to operate them and maintain the necessary hygiene and social distancing requirements. However, preparations are being made for the reopening of the council’s other leisure facilities and further information will be published early next week.
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