Thu 24th Sep 2020: Swimming at Runnymede is Back

We are pleased to report that the Monday evening swimming sessions at Runnymede will be starting again this Monday coming the 28th September, 2020 at the usual time of 8.30 pm.

Given Covid-19 things will not be quite the same as there are a number of guidelines and procedural changes that we will all have to adhere to, however it does mean that once we are all in the “pool” the session will be very similar to what we have been used to in the past with all six lanes being used.

Further details will follow via Facebook very shortly but Members will need to note the following:-

Everyone who wants to attend is going to need to pre-register their attendance in advance on a very similar basis to the Tuesday evening running sessions. Prior to the start of the session you will be allocated a swim lane. We are limited to a maximum of 30 swimmers and thus we can only have 5 swimmers per lane so places will be allocated on a first-come first-serve basis.

Members are to arrive no earlier than 8.25 pm and come through the main entrance in the usual way but will enter the pool via the side door next to where we used to congregate rather than through the changing rooms. This is because Runnymede are operating a one-way system.

Face-coverings must be worn when entering and exiting the venue although these can be removed pool-side.

Runnymede are insisting that we all arrive “swim ready” so we should all get changed poolside.

Those swimming in lanes 1 to 3 (lane 1 being the fastest) will need to get changed and leave their kit along the wall on the far side of the pool and those in lanes 4 to 6 will need to get changed and leave their kit along the wall on the near side of the pool. Members can also leave their kit by the wall at the end of the lanes they are using.

Once ready please head straight to your allocated lane and get in rather than loitering pool-side

Ideally everyone needs to be ready to start at 8.30 sharp so again please no loitering pool side. As advised the sessions will be very similar to what we are used to but again members are encouraged to keep two-meters apart at all times even when swimming so please ensure you leave an appropriate gap to the swimmer in front.

Once swimming is over, Members are encouraged to leave the premises as quickly as possible and to only exit though the changing rooms in the usual way. You are more than welcome to have a shower (however there are only six avaliable) and get changed but please do not loiter for too long. You need to get out and changed as quickly as possible. The toilets can still be used.

Finally it goes without saying that you should not attend if you are feeling unwell in any way.