Hathersage lido preparing to reopen after Government announcement

In Thursday’s Downing Street press conference, culture secretary Oliver Dowden said outdoor pools could welcome back swimmers from Saturday.

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We have previously reported how the boss of Hathersage lido voiced frustration that the popular visitor attraction was unable to reopen at the same time as pubs.

In a statement on its Facebook page, Hathersage lido said the response to the latest Government announcement had been ‘phenomenal’ – and added it would be back open next week on a date yet to be announced.

"It’s great to hear that you’re eager to dive back in to swimming,” the statement said.

“Since the exciting news that outdoor swimming pools can reopen from July 11 we’ve been in overdrive.

“We have looked into it and made the decision that we need to do things right and get all the policies and procedures in place correctly and staff fully trained in the new way of operation.

“Staff have been on furlough and we need to bring them off that scheme and back into work. So much has changed since we were last open in November.

“The safe operation of the facility is paramount so we will not be rushing the process to open on Saturday.

"We will, however, be opening next week and a date will be announced as soon as we have fully consulted with the parish council and lifeguard team.

“We will be using Swim England and Government guidance on how to operate during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The statement added a number of new procedures would be introduced, including:

- Sessions will be bookable online to avoid any queuing

- Swimmers will be encouraged to come ‘beach ready’ with their swimwear on under their clothing

- Capacity will be reduced by 75 per cent with only 30 people per session

During the press conference, Mr Dowden also said that indoor swimming pools, indoor gyms, tanning salons, spas, beauticians and tattooists would be able to reopen later this month as long as they are ‘Covid-secure’.

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