Get ready to make a splash as Pools reopen

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is delighted to announce the reopening of our swimming pools on Monday, 5 October.

As the popular facilities at Amphitheatre, Larne Leisure Centre and Seven Towers, Ballymena make a welcome return, new procedures have been put in place to ensure the continued safety and good health of all our swimmers and staff.

These include the introduction of a booking system for all swimmers. Members and non-members can book their swim up to 7 days in advance and everyone is asked to use the sanitising stations when entering and leaving the centres.

To help ensure social distancing is maintained, changing spaces will be regulated and all swimmers are asked to come ‘pool ready’ and have their swimming gear on under their clothes and have showered beforehand.

Safe spacing will continue in the water with a lane system operating. These new double-width lanes will accommodate up to 7 patrons per lane at any one time giving ample room for everyone to enjoy some exercise in the safest conditions. There will also be open sessions to allow families to attend and swim together.

In addition to this, all pools will use chlorine disinfectant that complies with government regulations and is proven to disinfect pathogens including COVID-19.

Welcoming the news, the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston, said:

“I am delighted to see yet another positive step back towards normality for us all as we continue to adapt to the ongoing challenges presented by COVID.

“Our leisure facilities are hugely popular. It is great to see our pools reopening and ready to welcome swimmers back in. I would remind everyone to ensure they use the booking system and follow the new guidance when using these facilities to ensure their safety and that of everyone else using them.”

Preparations are ongoing to facilitate the return of swimming lessons and other associated pool bookings. Further details on these will follow in due course.

Meanwhile, full details of the new guidance, booking system and temporary opening hours can be found on our website at: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/leisurecentrereopenings