Leisure centres are getting ready to open their doors and welcome back swimmers and gym users from April 12, when government lockdown rules on leisure centres are expected to be lifted.

Ferry Leisure, Barton Leisure and Leys Pools and Leisure Centres are getting set to open their doors to customers. This adds to the swimming at Hinksey Outdoor Pool which will already be open to take a dip.

Reopening schedule

Initially not all facilities will be open at every site.

 On April 12, Ferry Leisure Centre will open its gym and swimming pool, with only the adult lane in use, and Leys Pools and Leisure Centre will open for gym only.

More facilities will open on April 19, with a phased swimming programme beginning at Leys Pools and Leisure and Barton Leisure Centre opening for gym only. The pool at Barton is expected to open in the last week of April.

Read also: Will you be testing the water at Hinksey Pool in Oxford?

Covid safety rules will apply. Until May17 at the earliest, exercise will be restricted to personal fitness only, with no groups or classes in the centres. Online classes will continue to be available.

Oxford Ice Rink is also expected to open when restrictions are lifted, on May 17 at the earliest, subject to British Ice Skating and Government guidance.

Covid safety

The leisure centres will be operating a booking system to make sure the number of people using the facilities can be well managed.

Changing rooms will be closed, and gym users and swimmers will need to arrive ready changed for exercise.

Government rules from April 12 will restrict indoor exercise to individuals and households only. Classes and personal training sessions will not be available until the government rules allow.

As with the reopening of leisure last year, there will be increased cleaning of the rooms and equipment, and hand sanitiser will be available throughout the centres. People are reminded to stay home if they do not feel well to protect others.

Ian Brooke, head of community services at Oxford City Council said: “We have heard from our leisure user groups how important the leisure centres are to them. We are opening as much as we can as early as we can. We look forward to seeing people back enjoying the gym and swimming facilities as soon as they are open.”

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