Hampstead Heath management are carefully monitoring and following government advice while trying to keep the Ponds and Lido open. The situation may be subject to change at short notice.
A number of Heath lifeguards are currently self-isolating and one is signed-off work due to long-term illness. In these circumstances the City plans to use additional Heath Rangers to support the lifeguards with an enhanced cleaning regime and the closing time for the Ponds will NOT change as scheduled on Sunday 22nd March. Opening times will remain as follows:
OPENING: 07.00
VACATE WATER: 14.15
CLOSING: 14.30
It is vital to everyone’s health and wellbeing to observe the following principles:
- Rigorous attention to hand washing and hygiene.
- Social distancing (recommended distance 2 to 3 metres). This is particularly important for anyone who is over 70, pregnant, normally eligible for a flu jab or otherwise has a compromised immune system.
- Do NOT visit the Pond if you have reasons to be concerned about your own health or know that you may have been exposed to risk of infection.
The changing rooms (indoor and outdoor) are now closed, so changing must be done outside. There are two outdoor cold showers and more benches have been moved outside to provide additional changing spaces at safe distances. If you arrive at the Pond and find it is busy, please use the available space responsibly and do NOT crowd together – wait if necessary.