A BRISK uptake in bookings has been reported since the reopening of indoor sports facilities across Warwick district.
Council owned leisure centres at Newbold Comyn, St Nicholas Park, Abbey Fields and Castle Farm have experienced jam-packed bookings and visits following lockdown restrictions eased on April 12.
In the past week there have been over 2,000 swims in the district’s pools with the gyms attracting nearly 5,000 visits. The resumption of swimming lessons last week has seen the indoor pools in Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth reaching their new capacity.
Spokesman for managing company Everyone Active, Gareth Wagg, said: “It’s been great to welcome all of our customers back this week and see the enthusiasm they have shown for getting back into their workout and swimming routines. The health and safety of all visitors to the centres remains our top priority and our staff continue to work extremely hard to ensure that the strict social distancing, cleaning and hygiene protocols remain in place. Swimming is a potentially life-saving skill so we’ve been particularly looking forward to seeing the return of school groups following an absence of many months.”
One of the first schools to restart swimming sessions was the Arc School Napton.
Headteacher Ange Heyes added: “Swimming is a life skill and it’s so important that children are able to be safe whilst playing in the community. It’s great that the leisure centre has re-opened and we are having three sessions a week so that all the children get the chance to swim again before the summer break. The children really enjoyed being back into lessons and achieving new skills in the water. One pupil ventured into the pool for the first time ever after previously only sitting on the edge saying to the instructor – ‘Twelve months of lockdown and I’m brave enough to get in the water’.”
