Following the partial lifting of Coronavirus restrictions from 17 May 2021, and continuing pressure from the KLPA, the City of London is making some changes to swimming arrangements. There is still a long way to go but this is the most recent news:
- From 18 May 2021 the capped free flow hours (no need to book online) will be expanded to 7.00 am – 10.30 am (last entry 10 am) and 5.00 pm – 8.30 pm (last entry 8 pm).
- Booking through Eventbrite will still be necessary for swimming between 11 am and 4.30 pm based on the following time slots (with closure periods for cleaning) – 11 am to midday, 12.30 pm – 1.30pm, 2 pm – 3pm, 3.30 pm – 4.30 pm.
- The maximum number of swimmers who can be at the Ladies’ Pond at any one time is due to be increased and we are awaiting details.
- Women and girls who are non-swimmers can continue to access the upper meadow without paying, subject to the maximum capacity numbers at the Ladies’ Pond.
- The City of London may re-open the changing rooms from 21 June 2021, if public health restrictions continue to be lifted on schedule.
The following issues remain to be resolved:
- There are currently no plans to make additional showers available and we believe that just one outdoor shower during the summer months is entirely inadequate.
- The City still plans to employ stewards at the gates even when Coronavirus restrictions have, hopefully, been lifted from 21 June 2021. This is intrusive and not consistent with the decision on charging taken at the Management Committee on 11 March 2020.
- We believe that, on quieter days, it should be possible to turn up and swim between 11am and 5pm with payment accepted at the gate by cash or card, rather than having to book via Eventbrite.
- We are awaiting an update on access for swimmers under 16 at the bathing ponds and we look forward to welcoming girls and teenagers back to the Ladies’ Pond.
- We are asking for the large black lockers placed on the path near the changing rooms to be removed as they appear to serve no useful purpose, but reduce available space.
- Various temporary signs at the gates tell swimmers what they must or must not do. Following the lifting of remaining public health restrictions we believe this area should see fewer and more welcoming signs.
If you feel strongly about any of these issues please email the City of London via the following email addresses:
Anne.Fairweather@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Bob.Warnock@cityoflondon.gov.uk
HH-swimming@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Please copy to klpamailbox@gmail.com