Limited Re-opening at the Ladies’ Pond from 11 July 2020

Following yesterday’s government announcement that outdoor swimming “pools” can re-open with effect from 11 July 2020, the City of London plans to open the Ladies’ Pond tomorrow, Saturday 11 July 2020, for 2 separate one hour sessions, from 7-8 am and 8.30-9.30 am, with cleaning taking place between sessions.  We understand that the same pattern is likely to be followed on Sunday 12 July.

A maximum of 30 swimmers per session will be permitted and safe-distancing measures will be in place.

Tickets must be purchased on line from the Hampstead Heath website in order to swim, there will be no admission to anyone who has not booked a ticket.

Please note it is the City of London that is managing the booking process and platform NOT the KLPA.

We will forward links to the booking system for further dates to all members as soon as we receive them BUT tickets to the trial sessions sold out within minutes and we don’t know in advance when we will be notified.

For this reason we advise you to keep checking the City of London website for release of the booking system rather than waiting for our email.

Your comments to the City of London about these procedures can be sent to HH-Swimming@cityoflondon.gov.uk but please copy to klpamailbox@gmail.com. In particular please let the City know if you experience any difficulties due to problems booking on line or additional access needs.

We understand the need to put in place safe-distancing measures as the ponds re-open. However, we also appreciate that many swimmers who have waited patiently for the re-opening will be disappointed by the limited number of tickets available, the enforced payment mechanisms which have been introduced, and the timing of the release of booking information.