Swimming lessons back on at what is thought to be Doncaster's first swimming pool to re-open

The privately run Swimstars and Dolphins swimming pool, on the Quest Park industrial estate next to Wheatley Hall Road, re-opened for the first time since lockdown, with its first

Swimstars and Dolphins using their own pool.

Founder Sara Pegden said: “We re-opened for lessons on July 25, although we have reduced the class sizes from eight to five. We have a one way system in place, along with disinfectant and cleaning.

"It has been challenging but now we’re a few days into it and open it seems to be going well, and we have had some brilliant feedback from those who have been, who are happy to be back and into some sort of normal routine.”

The school also usually run lessons at Hall Cross School, on Thorne Road, but the pool there is currently being refurbished and is not expected to be open again until September. It also runs lessons at Worksop College.

Ms Pegden said: “It has been difficult having to be closed for so long, but the furlough scheme for staff has helped. There has been a lot of support from Government to keep things ticking over.

"We’ve had a mixed reaction about re-opening. Some parents we contacted were really excited. A few have held off to see what procedures are in place. We still have spaces on some days.

"But we have chlorine and an ultra violet system in the water that kills any viruses in the pool – the pool is one of the safest places to be.

"It has been poolside that we have had to make changes. Only one parent can attend, and they cannot arrive more than five minutes before we start. There is a waiting area for them until the previous group leaves.”

Swimstars and Dolphins have been looking to open another pool, in Bawtry, but that has been delayed by the lockdown. The school plans to get its other venue up and running before opening another one.

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