Pells Pool in Lewes to open ‘as soon as possible’

This week, it said it will be announcing its reopening date ‘as soon as possible’ – but reminded pool-goers that the arrangements for the season will be very different from previous years.

Conrad Ryle, chairman of Pells Pool Community Association (PPCA) and Phil Ranlsey, pool manager, told the Express: “We very much welcome the government’s announcement that pools are to be allowed to open.

“This comes after a period of lobbying and campaigning which we were pleased to support. If you signed the Swim England petition which was presented to Downing Street recently – thank you!

“We are urgently now assessing how quickly we can open – since it takes a good number of days to empty, clean and refill the pool, as well as to put in place all the other necessary health and safety arrangements.

“While we have got the pool as ready as can be so far, it would not have been wise or safe to keep our open air pool clean and filled over the weeks when we have been forced to stay closed and any opening date unknown.”

The pair said there will be shorter ticketed sessions this season, paid for in advance, with strictly limited numbers, and predominantly lane swimming. And there will be social distancing and health and safety arrangements in place.

They added: “We hope to include some family sessions – though, inevitably, these will be much more limited than usual at the Pells.

“In all this, we will be following the guidance that had been generated in recent weeks by both the Royal Life Savings Society (RLSSUK) and Swim England for the safe operation of pools, with effective social distancing and health and safety arrangements in place for swimmers and staff.

“We note that all the same safety arrangements could have been ready for earlier opening for pools this season, and regret this unnecessary delay has already meant some pools will not open at all in 2020, and we stand in solidarity with them and their communities.

“Finally, we very much look forward to re-opening as soon as we can and thank everyone for their help and support and especially all those who have supported our Friends scheme during this period.

“In the meantime, on sunny afternoons do visit and say hello – we have the kiosk open for ice creams and drinks, from noon-5:30pm on days when the weather is nice.”

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