6000 Fife youngsters flock to swimming lessons as pools re-open

The pools and centres run by Fife sports & Leisure Trust welcomed their first customers back on Monday as lockdown restrictions finally lifted.

And they were delighted with the numbers who poured in.

Emma Walker chief executive, said: “It’s hugely rewarding to be able to welcome customers back to trust facilities – it’s been a long wait and we’d like to thank customers for their patience and support throughout the second lockdown.

“We have had a fantastic response to our re-opening and have been very encouraged by the numbers of people taking the opportunity to book online so that they can access centres and programmes.

“I’m confident that customers will be reassured by the Covid protocols we have in place and our staff are ready to get back to doing what they do best supporting our customers in making the most of the physical activity opportunities the trust delivers for all ages and abilities.”

Customers have to book online or via an app to access programmes and facilities.

Vicki Birrell from Thornton, visited Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre, for the first time in 12 months.

She said: “The one hour gym booking system is great – numbers are restricted and its possible to access all the machines, plus, if I’ve booked a place then I’ll commit to coming.”

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/may-day-singers-climb-historic-fife-church-tower-for-spring-songs-3216863

Only one venue, the Beacon Leisure Centre in Burntisland, remains closed as the trust works on addressing issues to make it meet the COVID safety measures required to operate.

Young swimmers also got to jump back in the pool from Monday.

The trust welcomed back more than 6000 youngsters for swimming lessons – the first in the area since pools closed in December.

Lee Cunningham, aquatics manager for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “We are in a great position to welcome participants of the Learn to Swim programme back to our pools – we have the highest levels of health and safety protocols in place and experience implementing them.

Safety measures are in place include social distancing, additional hygiene procedures, instructors teaching from poolside and children arriving to lessons ‘beach ready.

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