Outdoor swimmers across Eden will be able to get back in the water this summer as some outdoor pools get set to reopen this month.
Outdoor swimming in Eden was put on the national map this month when Shap swimming pool was listed in the Guardian newspaper’s pick of Britain’s top 10 outdoor pools in the countryside.
The national review lists Shap pool as the place to go for a “high altitude crawl”, sat at almost 1,000 feet. It was also previously featured in a similar listing by the Times national newspaper.
Shap Pool committee secretary Teresa Martin said: “It’s fantastic it was listed in the Guardian. It’s a lovely little pool run by volunteers, so to be listed in there was great.”
Outdoor pools were permitted to open under the first step of the government’s roadmap on March 29, but have remained closed across Eden.
Pools in the district are now gearing up to reopen, but have mixed reopening plans ranging between this month and next.
At Shap the committee is hoping to welcome swimmers back from the second week in June, but on a limited basis allowing “bubbles” to hire one of three lanes.
In preparation, repairs to the pool are underway and lifeguards will be trained this month.
Lazonby and Greystoke outdoor pools will be the first to open later this month.
At Greystoke the pool will initially be open for only adult club members this mnoth, progressing to opening the pool and the new café for other members of the public in June.
The volunteer-led Lazonby pool is following a similar plan, with the pool opening on May 17, to adults who live in Eden and purchase a monthly season ticket.
Due to the size of the pool, only six swimmers will be permitted at one time and lanes will be set up.
From June 7, Lazonby hopes to welcome back school bookings, youth groups, instructor-led water fitness classes and swimming lessons.
Dependant on government restrictions continuing as planned, private bookings will recommence from June 21.
Uncertainty over whether the pool will be able to fully reopen in July or August remains.
At Hunsonby, work is set to begin shortly to re-line the pool.
A provisional plan is for the re-opening of the community pool to members from June 21, if the Government removes restrictions at that stage as expected.
In steps towards reopening, lifeguards are set for training at Askham outdoor pool during the next school half-term holidays.
Provisional plans are that the Askham pool will reopen after the half-term break on a limited basis, possibly for season ticket holders or local residents.
It is hoped the pool will welcome back more swimmers by July.
