Capacity concerns at pool are refuted
Bosses say they’re following safety rules after reopening
Perth Leisure Pool has reassured parents over its extensive coronavirus safety measures to allay fears of “overcrowding”.
The operator at the Live Active Leisure-run venue spoke out after many posted their concerns on social media in response to an update over its operations.
It comes after the pool reopened its doors just over two weeks ago, on October 11, to much fanfare having been closed to the public since March 2020.
The Facebook post, made on October 20, detailed new information over the pool’s timetable for activities including lane swimming, leisure swimming and class times.
Many customers took to the comments section in response, with one parent saying they and their two children decided to leave the pool area early, claiming it had become a “COVID hot spot”.
One individual wrote: “[I} was there today [and it was] absolutely mobbed.
“Good to see kids have fun but definitely overcrowded.”
One parent commented: “I arrived early on Monday to make sure that we could fit into the pool quota numbers, however people were filtering through non-stop from our arrival at 10am.
“It was overcrowded and turned into a COVID hot spot by 10.50am.
“It went from being fun and feeling safe for around 30 minutes to overcrowded, unsafe and I was frightened. I could not move without a person less than half a metre away.
“I had to leave after being there for 40 minutes with two upset boys, as mummy had to ask them to leave early in fear for their health and safety.”
Another person said: “Are there any restrictions in place for how many people are allowed in at a time? Because every time I want to go for a swim it always looks way too busy.”
Perth Leisure Pool general manager Debbie Scott has insisted that all strict measures in line with Scottish Government guidelines are in place, including a limit on the number of entries and the monitoring of carbon dioxide levels to ensure adequate fresh air.
“It was fantastic to be open after 18 months and we were, as expected, busy with excited customers which was heightened due to Olympia in Dundee being shut,” she said.
“As with all Live Active Leisure venues we are following the guidance provided by the Scottish Government and sportscotland to minimise the transmission risk of COVID-19.
“We closely monitor the number of people in the pool to ensure that numbers do not exceed our maximum capacity and we will continue to do this.
“When necessary, we have held back the people in the queue and staggered their entry time to ensure we are within our capacity.
“In addition, touch points are frequently cleaned, and we regularly monitor carbon dioxide levels to ensure an adequate provision of fresh air.
“We ask all visitors to wear a face mask, unless exempt, except when they have changed to go into the pool.
“Hand sanitisation stations are positioned throughout the venue, and we are asking everyone to give others space when moving around the venue.
“There are additional control measures in spaces where it is more difficult to maintain a distance or where ventilation is lower, including the health suite and fitness gym.
“In these areas we have reduced the capacity by 50 per cent.
“As the timetable for lane swimming and clubs commences this week, along with our flumes, wild water and other features returning soon we would like to remind all customers that we expect the venue to continue to be busy.
“We can assure everyone that our customers ongoing safety is our top priority, and our staff are working tirelessly to achieve this and ensure an enjoyable visit for everyone.”
it went from being fun and feeling sale for around 30 minutes to uncrowded and unsafe