Cockermouth Swimming Club’s Support Sees Cockermouth Pool Reopen Early

Date posted 31 Jul 2020
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Swimming Club’s Support Sees Cockermouth Pool Reopen Early

GLL the charitable social enterprise that operates Cockermouth Pool on behalf of Allerdale Borough Council, has confirmed today (31st July) that it will reopen on Monday 3rd August, weeks earlier than anticipated.

The swimming pool is reopening earlier than planned, thanks to a fundraising effort by Cockermouth Swimming Club, which recognised the financial challenges that GLL faced following four months of closure and were keen to get back in the water at the earliest opportunity.

The pool will reopen on 3rd August for club use, with public swimming sessions beginning on 6th August.  The phased reopening will allow for the introduction of Covid-Secure protocols and to bring back from furlough and train staff in the new procedures.

The new Covid-Secure protocols include:

  • Pre-bookable sessions only via the Better app or online at www.better.org.uk with bookings open from Saturday 1st August
  • Swimming sessions to be limited to 1hr initially
  • Social distancing of 2 metres throughout the building
  • A one way system in and out
  • Swimmers asked to arrive “beach ready” with swimming costumes on under their clothes to reduce the time spent in changing rooms
  • Double width swimming lanes

Martin Horne GLL Partnership Manager said: “We’re delighted to be opening Cockermouth Pool earlier than anticipated, due in no uncertain terms to the efforts of Cockermouth Swimming Club.

“Getting the pool opened earlier not only means that the club can continue to train but also that we can offer public access to the pool in Cockermouth as well that already available at the leisure Centre in Workington. The staff at Cockermouth are looking forward to welcoming local swimmers back into the pool next week”.

Sean Balmer, Head Coach at Cockermouth Swimming Club commented: ““Cockermouth Swimming Club is delighted to assist in the opening of the facilities and thank both GLL and Allerdale Council for their support in doing so. 

“We would also like to thank the contributors to our crowd funding, which has helped replenish the Club’s accounts after its underwriting of the pool opening.  As a community club we have had many national and international champions, such as Luke Greenbank who won a gold and bronze at last year’s world championships.  An early opening will accelerate our return to these levels.”

Cllr Tony Markley, Executive member for environmental services at Allerdale Borough Council added: "It's great to see the pool in Cockermouth Leisure Centre opening earlier than expected. Having the pool back open will not only be great for the swimming club who can resume their training, but for members of the public who love to use this facility.

"I'd like to congratulate Cockermouth Swimming Club on their efforts to raise the funds to reopen the pool earlier than originally anticipated and thank them for working alongside ourselves and GLL over the last few weeks.

"As a council we're committed to promoting healthy, active lifestyles for our residents and want to reassure people that pool in Cockermouth will continue to play a big role in our leisure offering going forward."

Full details on the Covid-Secure processes being implemented at Cockermouth Swimming Club can be found at www.better.org.uk/coronavirus