COVID-19 Latest Updates

This is STA’s dedicated page for keeping members up-to-date with all the latest government announcements relating to COVID-19 restrictions in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

🦠 Check Out Our COVID-19 Best Practice Guidance Here

• Date: 4th April 2022: UK Update from the NHS

  The UK’s list of Covid symptoms has been expanded to include nine more signs. The symptoms that have been added include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling tired or exhausted
  • An aching body
  • A headache
  • A sore throat
  • A blocked or runny nose
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhoea
  • Feeling sick or being sick

  These are in addition to:

  • A high temperature
  • A new, continuous cough
  • A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

   

  Please refer to the NHS website for the latest details.
• Date: 20th January 2022: England Update

  In England, from 27 January 2022, it will no longer be a legal requirement to wear a face covering. However, the government suggests the continuation of wearing face-coverings in crowded and enclosed spaces.

  RECOMMENDATION:

  For people participating in physical exercise or who are physically teaching (or are medically exempt), face-coverings are currently not mandatory anyway. On 10th December, gym and leisure settings were also listed as settings that are legally exempt from the face mask rule, however, we did advise then, that staff, visitors, spectators, and secondary-school-aged children should be encouraged to wear a face mask in indoor public areas.

  That position hasn’t changed. From 27th January, we will continue to recommend that swim schools risk-assess the wearing of face-coverings in public areas– based on the population and layout of public areas / heavy traffic areas in the swim school. For swim schools that hire pools in schools, hotels, etc., please continue to seek guidance on the protocols the owner of the pool will be following.

• Date: 18th January 2022: Scotland Update

  After a “significant fall” in new COVID case numbers, the first Minister of Scotland has announced that from Monday 24th January 2022, the requirement for 1m physical distancing will be removed. As per the update below on 18th December, this was in place for over 18s and was a recommendation for under 18s.

  Longer-running measures such as the use of face coverings in indoor public places will however continue, for everyone aged 12 years and over (unless medically exempt), as per the 18th December update.

  Please always refer here for the latest guidance.

• Date: 13th January 2022: England Update

  From Monday 17th January 2022, the self-isolation period for people who test positive for COVID-19 is being reduced to five full days in England – people will be able to leave isolation after negative lateral flow tests on day five and at the start of day six.

• Date: 6th January 2022: Scotland Update

  Scotland has made changes to self-isolation rules and testing requirements to help maximise testing capacity. These include reducing the isolation period from 10 days to 7 days (from 6th January),as long as the person does not have a fever and tests negative on a Lateral Flow Device (LFD) on Day 6 and again at least 24 hours later.

  Changes have also been made to testing after a positive LFD – people will no longer be asked to take a PCR test to confirm the result. Instead, anyone with a positive LFD should report the result online as soon as the test is done.

  Triple vaccinated close contacts of those who test positive, both household and non-household, or those under the age of 18 and four months, do not need to isolate as long as they return a negative LFD test result each day for seven consecutive days, and remain fever-free.

  Any close contact who is not fully vaccinated (three doses) will still have to self-isolate for the 10 days and take a PCR test.

  Full details can be found here

• Date: 5th January 2022: England Update
  • • With Omicron so prevalent, the Government has extended Plan B measures in England for another three weeks, before a review on 26 January. See the update dated 9th December 2021 for details on Plan B.

   

  • From 11 January, people who test positive on lateral flows will no longer need a follow-up PCR to begin their isolation period if they do not have symptoms.People experiencing the three official COVID symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – will still be expected to get a PCR.
• Date: 22nd December 2021: Scotland Update

  In an attempt to slow down the spread of the Omicron variant, Scotland will be introducing new COVID rules from the 26th of December for three weeks.

  Social distancing
  A general requirement of 1m physical distancing measures are required in all public areas, where reasonable, including in changing areas and on poolside. Operating a one-way entry / exit system is advised and always risk assess.

  Organised activities
  Organised activities like swimming lessons and exercise classes are permitted for all age groups. For over 18s, 1m physical distancing must be in place during sessions. Where possible, it is also recommended that under 18s should physically distance during sessions.

  Face coverings
  Face coverings are already legally required in all indoor public places, including leisure centres and anywhere open to the public for everyone aged 12 years and over. This includes the changing areas too. The only exception to this advice is of course when people are participating in physical exercise – or are medically exempt.

  Testing / Isolation for Staff
  The rules on self-isolation for household contacts have also changed.

  If an employee is identified as a household contact of a positive COVID-19 case, they are advised to self-isolate for 10 days – irrespective of vaccination status, PCR test result and age. If a staff member thinks they have COVID-19 symptoms they should self-isolate immediately and take a PCR test.

  Please always refer here for the latest guidance.

• Date: 22nd December 2021: Wales Update

  From 6am on Boxing Day, Wales have announced they will be introducing new alert level two measures, which have been tailored to the new omicron variant.

  Social distancing
  A general requirement of 2m social distancing in all public areas, where reasonable, is required. Operating a one-way system is advised and always risk assess.

  Organised activities
  Organised activities like swimming lessons and exercise classes are permitted indoors for up to 30 people and outdoor for up to 50 people. Please always risk assess.

  Face coverings
  Face coverings are legally required in all indoor public places, including leisure centres and anywhere open to the public for everyone aged 11 years and over. This includes the changing areas too. The only exception to this advice is of course when people are participating in physical exercise – or are medically exempt. Children under 11 do not have to wear face coverings.

  https://gov.wales/face-coverings-guidance-public

  Testing / Isolation
  Fully-vaccinated adults and children aged five to 17, who are identified as contacts of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, are asked to take a daily lateral flow test for seven days instead of self-isolating. Staff who have daily negative tests will be able to continue going to work as normal, while following all the steps to keep themselves safe, including limiting the number of people they mix with as much as possible.

  If a member of staff has not been double-vaccinated and is identified as a close contact of someone who has Covid they must self-isolate. Children under five are exempt from self-isolation if they are close contacts.

  https://gov.wales/self-isolation

  Hopefully, these are temporary measures and we will keep monitoring for further updates following today’s announcement. In the meantime, to keep up to date, and for more detailed information, Please always refer here for the latest guidance.

• Date: 9th December 2021: England Update

  Following on from the government confirming a move to Plan B in England, we would just like to clarify the position for leisure / swimming pools in relation to face masks.

  Gyms and leisure facilities have been listed as settings that are legally exempt from the face mask rule from Friday 10th December.

  However, STA is advising that staff, visitors, spectators, and secondary-school-aged children should be encouraged to wear a face mask in indoor public areas. The only exception to this advice is of course when people are participating in physical exercise and when they are physically teaching – or are medically exempt.

  Please also follow the guidelines set by the pool operator as different pool settings might apply different rules, and always risk assess.

• Date: 15th September 2021: Northern Ireland Update

  Although many of the coronavirus restrictions have now eased in Northern Ireland, regulations and guidance still remain in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19.  Please find here a summary relating specifically to swimming lessons, as per https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-and-guidance-what-they-mean-you#toc-11

  Indoors

  For swim schools operating organised swimming lessons or aquatic group exercise classes indoors, please note the following:

  • Risk assessments must be undertaken for maximum capacity and where there will be over 15 people taking part.
  • Contact details need to be taken for all visitors and staff.
  • When you are teaching different groups at different times during the day, make sure there is a sensible time gap between sessions and follow Covid-secure protocols at all times.
  • Maximise fresh air ventilation.
  • Implement regular cleaning and hygiene measures.
  • Maintain social distancing (1m) wherever possible with an indoor facility – this includes when teaching in and out of the water.
  • Changing rooms and shower facilities can be opened, but you should avoid or minimise use where possible (for example, by asking swimmers to arrive in their kit and to shower at home) and minimise time spent in the changing area.
  • Equipment: where possible lessons should be run without using equipment, or the customer should provide their own. If you need to provide equipment, it should be thoroughly sanitised before and after each use.
  • Face coverings do not have to be worn whilst teaching.

   

  Working inside a private home

  Up to 10 people from no more than three households can meet in a private home. Children aged 12 and under are not counted in the total. This would allow either a 1:1 swimming lesson or sessions with up to 5 people from the same household.

  Outdoor Swimming

  Social distancing of at least 1m is strongly advised but is no longer a requirement.

  In all environments, please proceed with caution and always risk assess – the pandemic is not over.  Please see the Sport NI guidance for more detail.

• Date: 1st September 2021: Wales Update

  The Welsh Government has published new coronavirus guidance for gyms, leisure centres, sports clubs and other indoor sports facilities – the guidance provides advice on measures that are likely to be reasonable to take to minimise the risk of coronavirus in your facility.

  The sections cover:

  • Reducing the chance of coronavirus being present
  • Preventing crowding
  • Limiting your capacity
  • Help Test, Trace, Protect
  • Customer/Member behaviour towards the reasonable measures implemented
  • Keeping your premises clean
  • Keeping the noise down
  • Improving ventilation.

   

  Click here for further guidance.

• Date: 9th August 2021: Scotland Update

  From today, Scotland has moved to Level 0, meaning all legal requirements for physical distancing – except in health care settings – have been removed.

  Ultimately, swimming lessons in Scotland can now return to pre-COVID (risk-assessed) codes of practice in non-healthcare settings.

  Teaching in the water, if the swim school chooses, can also return without the need for social distancing measures in non-healthcare settings, and in line with STA’s Code of Practice. However, it is advised that you should continue to consider the risks of close contact with others in relation to the clinically extremely vulnerable or not yet fully vaccinated.

  STA also highly recommends swim schools continue to encourage staff and customers to clean their hands regularly, and that they continue to clean surfaces and shared pool equipment.

  Importantly, rules on face coverings do REMAIN. In Scotland, people (staff and visitors) MUST continue to wear face coverings inside public places when not engaged in a sport or physical activity, i.e. during swimming lessons and aquatics activities.

  Please proceed with caution and always risk assess – the pandemic is not over. We should also equally respect those swim schools that may choose to continue some of the COVID social distancing protocols, even though they are no longer legally enforceable.

• Date: 14th July 2021: Wales Update

  The announcement by the First Minister today about Wales moving into Alert Level One on the 17th July does not affect how children or adult swimming lessons are currently organised. No changes are required.

  However, all being well, social distancing laws will come to an end on 7th August if Wales moves into the lowest level of Covid restrictions – IF the easing of restrictions goes ahead, this would mean social distancing will no longer be required for over 12s and adults attending swimming lessons or taking part in exercise classes (children under 11 are already currently exempt from social distance laws) – but it will be the responsibility of the swim school / pool owner to risk assess.

• Date: 13th July 2021: Scotland Update

  Lockdown restrictions in Scotland will be eased from Monday 19th July – but with certain conditions.

  The First Minister told the Scottish Parliament this afternoon that the country would move to Level 0 but face masks will remain “mandatory”.

  More to follow..

• Date: 12th July 2021: England Update

  As confirmed by the PM today, England will move to the next stage of the roadmap on Monday 19th July and all legal restrictions will be removed as part of Step 4.

  Last week, in preparation for Step 4 being activated, we created a guidance document for swim schools organising swimming lessons, which can be downloaded here.

  Ultimately, from Monday 19th July, swimming lessons in England can return to pre-COVID (risk-assessed) codes of practice.

  However, as the PM said we must all proceed with caution – the pandemic is not over and we should equally respect those swim schools that may choose to continue some of the current COVID protocols, even though they are no longer legally enforceable.

• Date: 24th May 2021: Northern Ireland Update

  From today, restrictions have been further eased in Northern Ireland:

  • Indoor swimming pools and leisure pools can open for individual exercise and for socialised distanced 1:1 training.
  • Organised group swimming lessons and water-based exercise classes, for both children and adults, can resume indoors (numbers will be based on maintaining 2m social distancing wherever possible and the venue’s ventilation requirements).*
  • Swimming teachers do not need to wear a face-covering while teaching for work or in a volunteering capacity. Visitors too are not required to wear a face-covering inside a sports facility; however, they should be encouraged to wear face coverings in enclosed public areas when NOT engaging in sport and physical activity.

  Click here for further information.

  *Please also note that some venues may have local restrictions due to individual facilities and layouts for example.

• Date: 17th May 2021: Wales Update on Adult Participants

  From today, the number of adult participants in COVID-safe indoor group activities, like swimming lessons and water-based exercise classes, has been extended to 30 people (previously when pools opened on the 3rd May, it was limited to 15) in Wales.

  This new figure of 30 is of course dependent on space in line with COVID-secure guidance, which includes social distancing and with a minimum of 100 square feet (10ft x 10ft) or 9.3 sq. m per person.

  The Welsh Government’s guidance on sport and leisure facilities can be found here.

  Also, as a reminder, with Wales currently in Alert Level 2, leisure operators and swim schools must continue to take all reasonable measures to keep people two metres apart whether on, or waiting to enter, premises, other than those who are in the same household or between a carer and the person cared for. They must also consider what other reasonable measures they must take to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus, including the use of face coverings in public areas, and face-to-face contact.

• Date: 8th May 2021: England Update

  Step 3 of the government’s roadmap is due to come into force in England no earlier than 17th May and the changes will be valid until Step 4 (no earlier than 21st June).

  So, what are the new changes and what do we need to consider at Step 3 when organising swimming lessons and exercise classes for both children and adults?

  The key changes are:

  Number of Participants
  From 17th May, organised indoor sport and physical activity for both children and adults, which includes organised swimming lessons and exercise classes, is permitted with any number of participants – as long as it’s undertaken in line with Covid-secure guidance and adheres to the capacity restrictions for indoor sports facilities (swimming pools).

  Please note social distancing rules STILL apply in and outside of the swimming pool / pool hall – this will not be reviewed until 21st June (Step 4).

  Private Homes
  Indoor gatherings of up to six people or two households can take place in private homes – this will include swimming lessons for up to six people or from two households. Social distancing and hygiene measures should still be maintained.

  Please also note that the teacher / instructor acting in a workforce capacity is exempt from the aforementioned rules on gatherings, however, they must remain socially distanced from their learner(s), where possible. This is as per Sport England guidance.

  Changing Rooms and Shower Facilities
  These ancillary features can be opened, but it is advised that you should encourage customers to avoid or minimise their use where possible (for example, by arriving in kit and showering at home) and to minimise time spent in the changing area.

  Spectators
  Spectators will be allowed in line with social gathering limits – groups of 30 outdoors and six people / two households indoors.

  Also, the total number of participants (swimmers), teachers, staff and spectators etc must be aligned with the ventilation rates permitted for the venue. The maximum occupancy of each indoor facility should be limited by providing a minimum of 100 sq ft per person. Click here for further detailed information refer to the indoors sports facility guidance.

  Face Coverings
  Also, for clarity, as there have been lots of questions on face coverings. Swimming teachers do not need to wear a face covering while teaching for work or in a volunteering capacity. Visitors too are not required to wear a face covering inside a sports facility; however, they should be encouraged to wear face coverings in enclosed public areas when NOT engaging in sport and physical activity.

  This latest information aligns with Sport England guidance, but if you require any further clarity about your individual location, we would always advise you to contact your local council.

• Date: 5th May 2021: England Update on Private Homes

  From 17th May, indoor gatherings of up to six people or two households can take place in private homes in England– this will include swimming lessons for up to six people or from two households. Social distancing and hygiene measures should still be maintained.

  Please also note that the teacher / instructor acting in a workforce capacity is exempt from the aforementioned rules on gatherings, however, they must remain socially distanced from their learner(s), where possible. This is as per Sport England guidance.

• Date: 23rd April 2021: Wales Update

  The Welsh Government has confirmed today a new timetable for easing lockdown rules in Wales, and this includes the reopening of indoor swimming pools and the restart of organised adult and children’s swimming lessons and exercise classes from 3rd May (two weeks earlier than originally planned).

  The key dates, subject to the public health situation staying the same or improving, as compared to now:

  26th April 2021

  • Outdoor swimming pools can reopen
  • COVID-safe organised activities for 30 people can take place outside with a designated organiser, i.e. with a coach / teacher / swim school / club.

   

  3rd May 2021

  • Gyms, leisure centres and indoor swimming pools can reopen
  • COVID-safe indoor organised activities for 15 adults will be allowed, including exercise classes and swimming lessons
  • COVID-safe indoor supervised activities for children can restart i.e. children’s swimming lessons.
• Date: 15th April 2021: Northern Ireland Update

  The Northern Ireland Executive set out its new optimistic roadmap today, and while there are still many unanswered questions around swimming lessons, what we do know so far is:

  • From 1 April, outdoor sports facilities, including outdoor swimming pools re-opened. However, clubhouses and indoor sports facilities (changing rooms, showers, kitchens, meeting rooms), apart from essential toilet facilities must stay closed.
  • On the 12th of April, outdoor 1:1 PT sessions or with multiple people from one other household resumed (up to 10 people, including children, from no more than two households).
  • On the 23rd April* – Organised group sports, including COVID-safe swimming lessons can resume outdoors.
  • On 30th April* – indoor swimming pools can reopen for individual training – group activities in pools will however still be off-limits.
  • On 24th May** (Expected) – indoor group exercise and training can return with suitable numbers depending on the size of the venue.

  *These are ‘indicative’ dates based on if infection rates continue to decrease.
  **At the end of April, the Northern Ireland Executive will look at the plan for May.

• Date: 8th April 2021: Wales Update

  Some of the measures, related to leisure, that were originally introduced by the First Minister have been brought forward by a week in Wales – sooner than planned as cases have fallen markedly.

  Monday 26th April (previously 3rd May)

  • Organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people can resume.

   

  Monday 7th May (previously 10th May)

  • Indoor swimming pools will be able to reopen for individual use and one-to-one training only.

   

  With the activities scheduled to re-open on Monday 17th May, there are no further details as yet, as to whether they will also be moved forward by a week. As it stands currently, it is still Monday 17th May for the following (hopefully, this will be confirmed at the next review on 22nd April).

  Monday 17th May

  • Indoor children’s activities, i.e., swimming lessons can resume
  • Organised indoor activities for adults, limited to a maximum of 15 people (including exercise classes) can also reopen.

   

  Further information here.

• Date: 6th April 2021: Scotland Update

  From Monday 26th April

  • Indoor leisure centres and gyms, including swimming pools can reopen for individual or same household recreational swimming
  • Children’s swimming lessons can resume (under 18s).

   

  From Monday 17th May

  • Adult swimming lessons can resume
  • Non-contact adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can resume.

  Please note: While this is the planned timeline for Scotland, exact dates will be down to localised decisions and may vary. Also, maximum bubble sizes for group activity beyond 17th May are still under Government review.
  

• Date: 5th April 2021: England Update

  Following on from the news that Step 2 of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown has been given the green light in England to start on 12th April, please find here an update on what this means.

  Monday 12th April

  • Indoor leisure centres and gyms, including swimming pools can reopen for individual or same household recreational swimming
  • All organised COVID-safe children’s activities (including swimming lessons) and indoor parent & child groups (up to 15 parents) can restart
  • COVID-safe Adult 1:1 or same household swimming lessons can restart indoors, in premises that are classified as business premises*.

   

  *Private Homes: Adult 1:1 or same household swimming lessons can take place outside in a private residential garden in an outdoor pool only (not a covered pool), and ONLY in an indoor pool if the premises are classified as business premises. Please also note that the teacher / instructor acting in a workforce capacity is exempt from the rules on gatherings, however, they must remain socially distanced from their learner(s), where possible during the 1:1 or same household lesson. This is as per Sport England guidance.

  Step 3 – 17th May

  • Organised adult indoor group sports and exercise classes.

   

• Date: 31st March 2021: Wales Update

  Today, Mark Drakeford, the First Minister for Wales laid out further details about the roadmap out of lockdown.

  He announced, providing cases remain low, the following key dates:

  Monday 3rd May

  • Organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people can resume.

  Monday 10th May

  • Indoor swimming pools will be able to reopen for individual use and one-to-one training only.

  Monday 17th May

  • Indoor children’s activities, i.e., swimming lessons can resume
  • Organised indoor activities for adults, limited to a maximum of 15 people (including exercise classes) can also reopen.

  This step-by-step approach will be reviewed weekly. Click here for further information.

• Date: 22nd March 2021: Disability Swimming in England

  Sport England has confirmed that COVID-secure organised sporting activities for disabled participants of all ages can take place indoors and outdoors from 29th March. This includes swimming if a pool can open, financially and practically, to support these organised activities.

• Date: 16th March 2021: Scotland Update

  From 12th March – Outdoor Sports only:

  • For 12–17-year-olds, the maximum numbers for socialising outdoors is 4 individuals from 4 households – this applies to recreational outdoor swimming.
  • Non-contact organised outdoor sport and group exercise for 12 years+ can re-start – the outdoor ‘field of play bubble’ for 12 years+ is up to 15 people and all teachers/coaches are included within the 15 people limit.
  • Children under 12 years can take part in outdoor contact and non-contact organised sport including training, group exercise and competition – the outdoor ‘field of play bubble’ for under 12s consists of up to 30 people including children and teachers/coaches at any one time.

  From 26th April* – Indoor gyms and swimming pools to open for individual exercise.

  From 17th May* – Further easing on indoor group exercise.

  Clarification on dates for indoor childrens and adults swimming lessons is being sought.

  * If progress on vaccination and suppression of Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues.

  For further information visit the Scottish Government website here.

• Date: 12th March 2021: Update on Adult 1:1 Swimming Lessons in England

  We can confirm that from 12th April, COVID-safe Adult 1:1 swimming lessons can restart in England. This is of course subject to the government giving the green light for Step 2.

  We are currently seeking further clarification on group adult swimming lessons.

• Date: 12th March 2021: Wales Update

  First Minister Mark Drakeford has stated today in a press conference that Wales will continue a phased step-by-step approach out of lockdown, which will be reviewed weekly.

  Key-notes:

  • From 13th March – Outdoor sports facilities can reopen. A maximum of 4 people from 2 households can take part in activities using local outdoor sports facilities.
  • From 27th March – Outdoor activities for children can potentially reopen (subject to the weekly reviews).
  • The end of April – No exact date given yet for the reopening of leisure and gyms (the end of April was noted in the press conference today, and plans for reopening will take place “beyond the middle of April”).

  Also, from tomorrow (13th March), the stay-at-home restrictions will be replaced by a new interim stay local rule in Wales.

  For the full press statement, please go to https://gov.wales/stay-local-wales-takes-first-steps-out-of-lockdown.

• Date: 23rd February 2021: Update on School Swimming Lessons in England

  In answer to all the questions about school swimming in relation to all children going back to face-to-face learning in schools on 8th March in England …

  Yes swimming lessons can continue when delivered as part of the PE curriculum, either in their own school pool or in a public one if it is open.

  Technically, school swimming lessons have been able to continue throughout the lockdown for those children attending school in person, if the normal school or leisure pool they use is open.

• Date: 23rd February 2021: Scotland Update

  The First Minister has just outlined the route map out of lockdown for Scotland, it’s not set-in concrete and will be a phased, regional approach. The target dates, they are aiming for, subject to the data are:

  • 15th March – group outdoor sports
  • End of April – the opening of leisure and gyms.

   

  We will keep a close watch on any further developments and let our Scottish members know mid-March, when the First Minister hopes to be able to give more details.
  

• Date: 22nd February 2021: England Update

  Subject to everything going to plan, the Government has announced its roadmap out of lockdown for England – this means for aquatics, the opening plan is as follows:

  Step 1 – 29th March

  • Outdoor swimming pools

   

  Step 2 – 12th April

  • Indoor leisure centres and gyms
  • All children’s activities, indoor parent & child groups (up to 15 parents)

   

  Step 3 – 17th May

  • Organised adult indoor group sports and exercise classes
• Date: 27th Janaury 2021: Update on Schools in England

  The Prime Minister confirmed this evening that schools in England will not be able to reopen to all pupils after the February half-term, but could do so from 8 March. He said this was the earliest schools could reopen and “depends on lots of things going right”.

• Date: 21st January 2021: Northern Ireland Update

  The First and Deputy Ministers for Northern Ireland confirmed today that the current national lockdown restrictions will be extended until 5th March.

  A decision on schools reopening, who are currently closed until after the February half term, is being reviewed next week.

• Date: 19th January 2021: Scotland Update

  Today the First Minister confirmed that the lockdown in Scotland is being extended to at least the middle of February.

  There are no changes to measures and schools will continue to remain closed except in the case of vulnerable children and those of key workers.

• Date: 4th January 2021: Lockdown in England

  By law, from Wednesday 6th January 2021 (but the government has requested we take action immediately) all indoor and outdoor swimming must close in England.

  The only exemptions to the rule are:

  • Organised outdoor sport for people with disabilities can continue
  • Schools, who can use sports, leisure and community facilities where that is part of their normal provision for curriculum school swimming lessons.

  For information on all the restrictions, please click here.

  These restrictions apply until Sunday 21st February 2020.

• Date: 4th January 2021: Lockdown in Scotland

  From midnight on 4th January, residents in Scotland have been ordered to stay at home until the end of January.

  Based on the information we understand so far, sport and physical activity can only take place outdoors – the frequency of outdoor exercise will not be limited, but the rule on gatherings will change – a maximum of two people from up to two households are able to meet outside (this includes 12-17 year olds). Children aged 11 and under won’t be counted in the limit and they will be able to play outdoors in larger groups, including organised gatherings.

  For further information on all the restrictions, please click here.

• Date: 21st December 2020: Scotland and Northern Ireland

  Scotland – From Boxing Day (26th December), the whole of mainland Scotland will enter into Level 4 restrictions for at least three weeks. This sadly requires the closure of leisure centres and swimming pools.

  Northern Ireland – From 12.01 am on 26 December additional restrictions for people living in Northern Ireland will be introduced for six weeks, with a review after four weeks. This means all sports facilities such as leisure centres, health clubs and swimming pools must close. Physical education delivered by or for schools, pre-schools and other education providers is permitted to continue.

• Date: 19th December 2020: Update on Tier 4 for England and Wales

  Update on Tier 4 (England) – The Government confirmed that indoor sport (swimming lessons) is only permitted in Tier 4 areas for under-18s taking part in school swimming lessons that are delivered as part of the PE curriculum (for clarity a school is defined as an educational institute, which is outside of the further education sector and the higher education sector and is an institute for providing primary and secondary education, or both). Indoor swimming pools located in Tier 4 areas must close from midnight tonight. Indoor swimming pools remain open in Tiers 1, 2 and 3, but people living in Tier 4 are not permitted to travel into a Tier 1, 2 or 3 area – the government guidance clearly states that: “You must stay at home and not leave your Tier 4 area, other than for legally permitted reasons.”

  Update on Wales entering Alert Level 4 – Wales planned national lockdown has been brought forward and will come into effect from midnight tonight. This sadly requires the closure of leisure centres and swimming pools.

• Date: 18th December 2020: Adult 1:1 in Tier 2 - England

  DCMS and CIMSPA have confirmed that 1:1 personal training, which will include swimming, is allowed in private homes in Tier 2 (England).

• Date: 18th December 2020: Northern Ireland Update

  Following the disappointing news about Wales closing leisure at the end of business on 24th December and entering into Tier 4 restrictions on 28th December, Northern Ireland have also now confirmed they will go into lockdown on 26th December which will also see the closure of leisure centres and swimming pools. Northern Ireland’s measures will be reviewed after 4 weeks.

  To our members and partners in Northern Ireland and Wales, please know we are here to support you as best as we can through these extremely difficult times.

• Date: 16th December 2020: Wales Update

  Disappointedly, from the end of business on 24th December, all leisure centres and swimming pools (for public swims and swimming lessons) will need to close and then following the 5-day Christmas period, on December 28, Wales will enter into Level 4 restrictions – which means that swimming pools (for public swims and swimming lessons) will remain closed. The only exemption is for school swimming lessons delivered as part of the PE curriculum (for clarity a school is defined as an educational institute, which is outside of the further education sector and the higher education sector and is an institute for providing primary and secondary education, or both).

  The new restrictions apply to all of Wales, click here for further information.

• Date: 2nd December 2020: Update from Sport England

  Sport England, the government body for sport, has today issued updated guidance in the form of a FAQ, and it specifically references swimming pools in relation to calculating bathing loaders, which we know has been a problematic issue for many members and has hindered the opening of pools. We are therefore pleased to confirm that Sport England state “pool operators should restrict numbers to allow three square metres per bather”. This concurs with STA’s guidance.

  There is also good news for swim schools running parent and child sessions – Sport England has confirmed “different groups of up to six (tier 1) or household/support bubbles (tiers 2 and 3) can use the facility at the same time, provided they don’t mix”.

  For more detailed information, please visit Frequently asked questions on the return of sport and activity | Sport England

• Date: 1st December 2020: Updated Tier Guidance For Swimming Lessons And Non-Team Aquatics In England Post Lockdown 2

  Click here for further information.

• Date: 23rd November 2020: England Update

  As of 2nd December the Government has announced that swimming pools can reopen in England across all tiers, meaning grassroots swimming lessons for under 18s and disabled people can resume.

  Click here for further information.

• Date: 18th November 2020: Updated guidance for Scotland

  Click here for further information.

• Date: 13th November 2020: Updated Guidance for Wales

  Click here for further information.

• Date: 10th November 2020: Update on Extra-curricular Sport in Schools

  The Youth Sport Trust, Sport and Recreation Alliance, ukactive and Association for Physical Education have confirmed what extra-curricular sport, which will include school swimming, is permitted under the Government’s new lockdown guidance in England. See here for further information.

• Date: 6th November 2020: Updated Guidance for swimming pools in England – Lock Down 2
  • All public and private swimming pools in England closed for swimming lessons from 5th November – including all lessons in residential homes
  • The ONLY exemption are school swimming lessons that are organised as part of a school’s normal national curriculum programme. They can continue as normal, in their own school pool or at their ‘regular’ local pool if that operator chooses to open for school swimming lessons only. Note: school pools cannot externally rent their pools for non-curriculum private swimming lessons
  • Boarding Schools are also permitted to run after school activity only for their own boarding pupils. Any activity providing ‘childcare’ is exempt from the regulations, and in this case the children are under the care of the boarding school throughout the week, even when outside of timetabled school hours. In this context, the school is able to hold ‘after school’ swimming clubs for boarders (non-boarders are not permitted under the guidance)
  • For further information click here.
• Date: 5th November 2020: Guidance for the Reopening of Swimming Pools in Wales

  Updated Guidance for the reopening of swimming pools in Wales on from the 9th November 2020.

• Date: 9th September 2020: England Update

  Following on from the Prime Minister’s press conference on 9th September about the ‘6’ rule for England, Sport England have clarified that organised sports and activities which have been through return to play protocols will be allowed to continue as before – this includes swimming lessons in line with STA’s members guidance below.

  In summary people can continue to:

  • Take part in organised sports and activities that have been through return to play protocols
  • Take part in organised outdoor sports and physical activity events
  • Use leisure facilities, including gyms and pools.