How can public swimming centres be gradually put back into operation?

We are currently witnessing the initial easing of the restrictions on outdoor and individual sports at sports grounds. However, there is as yet no political discussion of the re-opening of public swimming pools. If people are unable to practice activities in a controlled environment they will spend their leisure time in uncontrolled locations. This is where sports infrastructure can make an important contribution.

International travel will not be possible this year, or only to a limited extent. This will result in increased domestic tourism or in-situ tourism (holidays at home). Sports facilities and especially swimming pools can be a sensible and safe option here.

Unlike natural bathing areas, public swimming pools provide considerably more safety, as disinfection of the pool water with chlorine provides excellent protection from all bacteria and viruses – including coronaviruses. Infection via the water can thus be prevented.

Swimming pool experts from Germany and Switzerland have put forward proposals and recommendations on how to re-open public swimming pools in a phased procedure.

Source: IAKS Newsletter 10/2020

You can find more information on this topic here:

• IAKS Germany: Phased re-opening of municipal swimming pools
• EWA: Two-stagephase -plan and checklist for the re-opening of waterparks and spas
• VHF Switzerland: protection strategy after re-opening
• DGfdB: Pool pandemic plan