Swims are back in first phase of lockdown easing

The sport of outdoor swimming has benefited from unprecedented publicity as a result of the easing of England’s lockdown.

As restrictions which have been in place since before Christmas began to be lifted, media outlets flocked to open-air pools to report on the return to organised outdoor sports and physical activity.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave a video address, wishing the country 'the very best of luck' for the loosening of restrictions on outdoor activities.

He said he knew “how hard it has been to be separated from your team-mates and your coaches and the sports that you love.”

Among those expressing their relief at the lifting of many of the restrictions on outdoor sport and physical activity was Swim England chief executive Jane Nickerson, who added: “It’s been a long time coming.”

Several of England’s 110 outdoor pools re-opened earlier than usual on the first day of the first phase of the lifting of several months of restrictions.

Swim England research from the end of 2019 suggested that 7.5 million people enjoyed outdoor swimming.

And to entice swimmers back into the water, it has put together a new list of lidos, pools and lakes where swimmers are welcome.

And of course, Myopenwaterswim.co.uk has contributed details of our own organised events.

But at the time of writing, we are waiting for our specific locations and date to be added. We have, however, contacted Swim England asking for these details to be updated.

In case you aren’t aware, we organise regular swims at four sites in the Lake District - Windermere, Ullswater, Coniston Water and Derwent Water - as well as at Pennington Flash, near Leigh, Greater Manchester.

Although at present we have yet to open bookings, you can see our various membership options, and sign up to get full details of upcoming get-togethers, where you will get the chance to enjoy a well-supervised taste of our growing sport.

It’s likely there’ll be a surge of interest - especially given the volume of positive coverage for open water swimming during the lockdowns - so book soon to be sure you don’t miss out.