The KLPA is a user group for women who swim at the Ladies’ Pond.
Since 1926 the Ladies’ Pond has been a much-loved space reserved for women and girls.
Membership of the KLPA is open to all women who swim at the Ladies’ Pond and wish to preserve its unique qualities.
There is no requirement to join or be a member of the KLPA to swim at the Ladies’ Pond.
The KLPA does NOT manage the Ladies’ Pond or determine who may or may not swim there.
Policy and practice at all the Hampstead Heath swimming ponds are the responsibility of the City of London, which funds and manages Hampstead Heath as a registered charity.
KLPA elected officers meet regularly with Pond managers to represent the interests of members regarding the day-to-day running of the Pond but the KLPA has no executive power.
With the support of a significant majority of members (confirmed at the 2024 AGM) the KLPA continues to welcome transgender women who wish to join. This is consistent with the Equality Act 2010, which requires that organizations must not discriminate against someone, victimise or harass them because of the protected characteristics of gender reassignment or sex, or because a person is perceived to have these characteristics.
The City of London is also bound by the Equality Act 2010 and accordingly allows transgender women to swim at the Ladies’ Pond while preserving it as a women-only space that is NOT open to men. The City of London’s gender identity policy can be read here.
Concern has been voiced by some women, including gender critical groups, about potential dangers of this inclusive policy. This has generated often sensationalised mainstream and social media coverage which has led some to question whether the Ladies’ Pond remains the safe single-sex space the KLPA believes it to be.
The KLPA works to ensure that all women, including survivors of sexual abuse or violence and members of faith groups with particular needs for a single-sex space, feel safe at the Pond and that everyone is treated with respect and sensitivity. All members are expected to behave in accordance with these principles towards all Pond users and staff.
The lifeguards and stewards on duty are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of all women and girls ( 8 years old and above) at the Ladies’ Pond. ANY inappropriate behaviour or incidents should be reported to them immediately so that the matter can be addressed by those in charge.
Emails regarding the management of the Ladies’ Pond should be addressed to the City of London Corporation at this address.
