Warm and sunny weather has made closure of the Heath swimming ponds seem particularly cruel; thank you all for your understanding and support during lockdown. We know how desperate everyone is to get back in the water in the interests of physical and mental wellbeing, but the epidemic is not yet over and below is an update on the current situation.
Although the Prime Minister announced that swimming could resume in lakes and the sea, this does not apply to waters such as the Heath swimming ponds where legislation and Health & Safety Executive advice requires lifeguard supervision. The only exception to this is the Winter Swimming Club (WSC) at the Mixed Pond, which is licensed to allow swimming without lifeguards between October and April for certified members only. Swim England has forbidden the WSC (an affiliate club) to reopen until further notice. There are particular historic reasons for the club’s existence that would make it difficult, if not impossible, to replicate at the other ponds.
There has been much publicity about the Serpentine re-opening for swimming this week. This is NOT for the general public but only for members of the Serpentine Swimming Club, who are entitled, under a longstanding licence from the Royal Parks, to swim in the early morning without lifeguards all year round. In contrast, our association is simply a user group and membership does not confer any rights to swim.
The Royal Life Saving Society has not yet issued guidance but, having talked to our own lifeguards, we accept the City of London’s decision that under current government guidelines it is not yet possible to resume swimming and ensure either staff or swimmer safety and protection from transmission of COVID-19.
The KLPA and the other Heath swimming associations are now in discussion with Hampstead Heath management about plans to re-open the swimming ponds as soon as government guidance allows. We will be contacting you again over the next few days with more information about this, but please note that timings will continue to depend on COVID-19 infection rates and control measures.
In the meantime, if you have any queries about matters such as season tickets please contact Heath management at hampstead.heath@cityoflondon.gov.uk. To report incidents such as members of the public swimming illegally or other infringements of lockdown rules call the Heath Constabulary on 020 8340 5260 or in an emergency dial 999. Outside their hours of operation you can report the matter to the Metropolitan Police via 101 or online (in an emergency dial 999).