Swimming at SWFLC

What to expect when you visit

To keep staff and customers safe, there are some changes to how we operate:

Booking

• You will have to book a swim session in advance on the website or via our app.
• If you have not booked in advance, you will not be able to use the centre.
• Each individual customer must have their own ourChelmsford account to book. 
• If you wish to cancel you must give us at least 2 hours notice. Find out more about cancellations. 
  
• Booking limits apply (terms and conditions).

Sessions

• We will have a reduced timetable to begin with.
• Sessions will be timed.
• We will restrict the number of people allowed in the pool at any time.
• The pool will be open for public lane swimming. This means you will need to be able to swim multiple lengths unaided while following the lane etiquette rules at all times. This will not be a family session. 
  
• For each lane swim session, there will be two start times in order to reduce queuing. When booking you will need to select either start time. Both sessions will end at the same time. 
• Families will be able to use our 'Family Sessions'. Due to social distancing, and the configuration of the pool, only six families will be allowed in the pool at one time. (Four shallow areas, suitable for babies and non-swimmers, and two deep areas, suitable for competent swimmers). 
  
• You will not be able to spectate.
• You will not be able to hire Pull Buoys, kick floats or other equipment.
• You must make sure you observe lane etiquette displayed at the ends of each lane.
• Please arrive promptly for your session. You will only be allowed entry up to 30 minutes after your session start time. After this you will not be able to join the session.
• Social distancing should be observed at all times wherever possible. 
  

Face coverings

• You will need to wear a face covering inside our leisure centres whenever you aren't exercising, unless you have an exemption. Find out more about face coverings.
• You should leave your face mask in your locker while you are swimming. 

Showers and changing rooms

• You must arrive with your swimming costume under your clothes. Changing cubicles will not be available on your way in.
• You will be able to use the single changing cubicles at the end of your session only. Please clean the cubicle down after you have finished.
• A reduced amount of cubicle showers will be available, for rinse down only. You will not be able to shower before entering the pool. Communal showers on poolside will not be available.
• You will be able to use a limited number of lockers. Different lockers will be used for each session, and cleaned before the next use. Please only bring what you need with you.
• You will not be able to use the hairdryers.

Cleaning

• We will be cleaning in between sessions.
• We will provide hand sanitiser and cleaning stations around the centre.
• Please bring your own hand sanitiser with you where possible.
• There will be cleaning stations in the changing room for customers to wipe down cubicles and lockers after they have used them.

When you arrive and leave

• Before you arrive, you can download the NHS COVID-19 app. You can open the app and scan the QR code displayed at the entrance to the centre on arrival.
  
• If you arrive early for your session, please remain in your car.
• The entrance will be split in two, please go in on the right hand side.
• Please go to reception to check in for your pre-booked session, then continue on to the pool changing rooms for your session, as directed.
• At the end of your swim session, you will return to the changing rooms and use one of the dedicated cubicles available to change out of your swimwear. 
• To exit, you will follow the signs out of the changing rooms into the main foyer and through the exit.
• You will need to leave the centre straight after your session.
  

Monthly Members

• You will need to book a session in advance.
• You will need to check in for your session at reception.
• If you do not check-in, we will charge you the full amount for the session.
• Please make sure that you have registered your email address with us in order to book online. 

Over 65s Resident swim scheme

• You will still be able to use the pool with the resident swim scheme.
• You will need to book a session between 6.30am to 8.45am and 12pm to 2pm, Monday to Friday.
• You can book a session up to 7 days in advance.
• You will need to cancel at least 2 hours in advance if you wish to cancel a session.
• You can  find out about the over 65s resident swim scheme.

 For more information you can read  the latest guidance from Swim England on returning to swimming.

Times and prices

Things you need to know

What to bring