FAQs - Swimming

Is it safe to come swimming?

Operational procedures in line with government and industry guidance have been
implemented to make sure we keep you safe.

The experience will look and feel very different. There will be extra cleaning regimes
in place and restrictions on the number of people who can access at any one time.

It is still critical that we maintain social distancing as part of all pool activities so
please be personally aware of this and adhere to the direction of the staff when you
attend your session.

What differences will I see when I come swimming?

Generally..

You will be allocated a changing cubicle and locker to use before and after your
swim. There will be extra cleaning regimes in place after each swimming slot to
ensure we can ready the areas for our next set of swimmers. To ensure we can
safely comply with social distancing guidelines, capacity in the pools will be
reduced.

Hadrian Leisure Centre

Hadrian Leisure will be split into two bookable areas; the main pool and the small
pool. The main pool will have a maximum capacity of 18 people per slot. The small
pool will have a maximum capacity of 12 per slot. The depth and temperature of the
small pool is especially suitable for adults and young children.

Tynemouth Pool

There will be two areas to book at Tynemouth Pool; the main pool (which
includes the boomed area in the shallow end) and the small pool. There will be
a maximum capacity in the main pool area (including the shallow boomed area) of
20 people and in the small pool of 12 people. The depth and temperature of the
small pool is especially suitable for adults and young children.

Waves

The slide will be operating at restricted times at Waves along with the waves
themselves. The pirate ship area will also be available for use and numbers will be
dynamically managed by our lifeguards during the sessions.
The Lakeside Centre

The Lakeside Centre will be split into two bookable areas; the main pool and the
small pool. The main pool will have a maximum capacity of 18 people per slot. The
small pool will have a maximum capacity of 12 per slot. The depth and
temperature of the small pool is especially suitable for adults and young children.

How many people will be allowed to book in the pools?

Facility Main pool – Small pool – Aquafit

lane swimming recreational (when available)
swimming
Hadrian Leisure 18 people 12 people 24
Centre maximum, all slots maximum
will be available for
lane swimming
Tynemouth Pool 20 people 12 people 12
maximum, this maximum
includes the
boomed area (the
shallow part of the
main pool). Lane
swimming will
always be
available in the
larger part of the
main pool.
Waves 12 people maximum during lane 25
swimming across all pool areas.
50 people maximum during recreational
swimming across all pool areas.
The Lakeside 18 people 12 people 24
Centre maximum, all slots maximum
will be available for
lane swimming
What times can I book my swimming slot?

Timetables are available at the bottom of this page.

How do I book a slot to come swimming?

If you are a Contours member or if you pay and play with an easecard, you will be
able to book (and pay if necessary) for your swimming slot online. You can find more
details around how to book online here.

However, please note you can only use the online service if you are booking as an
individual. If you want to book a slot for more than one person (e.g. for yourself and
children) you will need to telephone the site and book and pay for your places over
the phone.

We need to have this in place for our Child Admission Policy. If you
have easecards, please have them to hand when you call to book your swimming
slots, including those for other members of your family.

I don’t currently book online – how do I do this?

For swimming you can only book online if you are booking one person as an
individual. There is guidance on the council website, here, about how to do this.

If you require a carer to attend with you and would like to book online, please contact
our reception team to facilitate this.

How long is my swimming slot?

All swimming slots are bookable for one hour, which is inclusive of changing time.
Your swim time will be 45 minutes.

Please ensure when you arrive you have your swimwear on underneath your
clothing. Customers will need to queue outside of the facility until their session start
time. A register will be taken and you will be allocated a locker and a cubicle to use
before and after your swim.

Please make your way to the pool, including having a pre-swim shower, as
quickly as possible to ensure you get the maximum time for your swim.

Swimmers will be asked to leave the pool 10 minutes before the end of their
session to allow them to change into their clothing. You will then be asked to leave
the changing area at the end of your hour session in readiness for the teams to clean
the facilities for the next booking.
How will the changing village operate?

Cubicles will be numbered, and each customer will be designated their own cubicle
and locker on arrival. You will use the same cubicle before and after your swim.

Will I be able to use the showers?

We will be asking people to take a pre swim shower before they enter the pool to
maintain hygiene levels. However, there will be no showers available when you
leave the pool.

Will lane swimming be available?

Yes, and to ensure we can comply with social distancing we have followed industry
guidance and widened our lanes. There will be different lanes available to
accommodate different swimming abilities.

Comparing swimming ability is a difficult task and depends on several factors. You
will be asked to initially choose a lane based on your ability but may be asked to
move lanes by our lifeguards if required.

I don’t want to swim in lanes, I want to come and have a leisurely splash about. What
can I do?

We appreciate that our customers previously used our swimming pools for several
activities however there are government restrictions in place we need to adhere to.

We have timetabled some recreational swimming sessions, please check the

timetables, here, to find out what is scheduled at each pool.

I have a toddler – will I be able to bring them to the pool?

Yes, you will be able to book spaces for you and your toddler in any of our small
pools or at Waves. Our normal Child Admission Policies will apply. You can find the
guidance for each site at the links below.

https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/page/4194/waves-swimming-pool
https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/page/5035/hadrian-swimming-pool
https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/page/4232/lakeside-swimming-pool
https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/page/5874/tynemouth-swimming-pool

Will Aquafit be on the programme?

Unfortunately not, indoor exercise classes are not currently permitted under
coronavirus restrictions.

When can I use the diving boards?

Unfortunately, the diving boards will not be in operation. We will continue to monitor
this.

When can we go on the inflatables?

The large pool inflatables will not be available at any site and there will be no toys or
floats available. You are welcome to bring your own personal floats, dive
sticks and rings with you.

Will I be able to buy goggles or swim rings at reception?

To limit face to face transactions you will not be able to purchase these items at
reception. Please bring your own personal equipment with you.

Can we use the pirate ship at Waves?

Yes, the pirate play area will be open; the numbers in this area will be managed by
the lifeguards on duty.

Will the slide and the waves be on at Waves?

Yes, these will be in operation during recreational swimming sessions.

Will I need money for my locker?

Yes, the pool lockers require a non-refundable 20p piece. Please note no cash will
be held at reception so please remember to bring a coin with you.

Can I use the hairdryers / vanity areas afterward?

Unfortunately, you will not be able to use the hairdryers or the vanity area after your
swim. We will continue to monitor this.

Can I use the accessible change for swimming?

Yes, these facilities will be available as normal for you to use; however, if for any
reason you require staff assistance please let us know in advance.

Will I be able to spectate?

Unfortunately, there will be no spectating permitted.

What is happening with swimming lessons?

Please refer to the FAQs on swimming lessons on this page.

When will swimming go back to normal?

It is unknown how long additional measures will be in place. We will continue to

monitor change in government advice and evolve as and where possible.