District pools to welcome back users

Three council-owned swimming pools are due to reopen today (Thursday) after months of uncertainty.

Active Life, which manages sites including the Kingsmead Leisure Centre, Herons Leisure Centre and Whitstable Swimming Pool and Sports Centre on behalf of Canterbrury City Council, says the pools are now welcoming back users.

The gym at Whitstable Sports Centre is also back up and running, and the Swim Academy at all three pools will restart on Monday.

Some group exercise classes and gym facilities had already reopened, but the charity had faced criticism for failing to confirm when its pools would resume normal service - especially after leisure centres were allowed to reopen in July. All Active Life centres will be operating in line with government guidelines and anyone planning to visit will need to book and pay online.

Gym users will be asked to arrive ready to work out and swimmers with their costumes under their clothes.

Some showers and changing facilities will be available for use after swimming.

CEO of Active Life, Anthony Cawley, said: “We know our leisure facilities are really important for the health and wellbeing of the local community. “We are really pleased that we are able to announce the opening of our pools in a safe and viable way and that we can welcome back our Swim Academy members later this month too.” Bookings can be made up to seven days in advance on the Active Life app or website.

Kingsmead Leisure Centre will reopen to swimmers