Swim England chief executive issues statement as pools are closed

Swim England chief executive Jane Nickerson has issued the following statement after the Government ordered the closure of leisure centres due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“As a lifelong swimmer who is passionate about our wonderful sports, it is a very sad day to see the nation’s pools closed.

“However, the nation’s health and wellbeing is of paramount importance to us and in this unprecedented situation, it’s important everyone follows the guidance to help combat the spread of coronavirus

“To help everyone who takes part in aquatic activity keep physically and mentally fit and active, we will be sending out training plans and advice over the coming weeks.

“We will also be releasing some free online CPD opportunities for our teachers and coaches alongside other helpful resources, including some additional live webinars.

“The chancellor has also pledged to help companies keeping on retained workers by paying up to 80 per cent of salaries – and we will look into how the measures he announced will also support our self-employed teachers, coaches and tutors.

“These are challenging times but everyone at Swim England is there to support and do our very best for our clubs, members, workforce and volunteers to ensure we come out of this much stronger.”