Wednesday 03 June 2020
Following a significant amount of work behind the scenes, Beau Sejour Leisure Centre will become the first community public leisure centre to re-open to the public in the British Isles on Thursday 4 June, following the COVID-19 pandemic, albeit operating reduced opening hours from 7.00am - 7.00pm.
After the Bailiwick of Guernsey progressed to Phase 4 of its Exit out of Lockdown strategy on Saturday 30 May, the team at Beau Sejour has been working hard to ensure its activities and facilities comply with the Phase 4 Guidelines, including ensuring the Lifeguard team is trained in the new COVID-19 standards as outlined by the RLSS.
As such, the look and feel of the Centre may be quite different to what customers usually expect. Sam Herridge, Head of Recreation Services said:
"We've had to adapt quite a lot of our activities to comply with the social distancing guidelines, and limit numbers for quite a lot of activities. This has meant the introduction of a booking system for all of our activities - even those for which customers can usually just turn up and take part - such as swimming. We understand there are some significant changes and usage as a result will be limited, but we're hoping the community understands that these measures have been introduced to keep the community, and our staff team as safe as possible in this Phase of exit out of Lockdown."
Examples of these changes include a 'Welcome Desk' in place when you first enter the building and public swimming taking the form of lane swimming only, with a maximum of 30 users, bookable in hour slots. Swimmers are asked to come 'beach ready' as access to the swimming pool will be via the cafe, with stations to leave your belongings available poolside. Showering and changing rooms will be permitted in the changing village at the end of booked hour slot. The small pool will be split into two lanes, available to book by those who were part of the same extended bubble in Phase 3. The BodyZone gym will also be bookable for hourly slots - for a maximum of 10 users at any one time. Fitness classes (including Spinning), which will resume on Saturday 6th June, will take place in the David Ferguson Hall to ensure all social distancing measures are adhered to, but allowing capacities of the classes to remain more or less the same. In addition, the café will be operating a take-away service only.
However, there are some activities still not able to take place at the Centre, such as birthday parties, Kiddy Kapers gym sessions and contact sports - which includes Squash.
Ms Herridge says:
"Although games of squash can't be played, customers can book courts for individual practice - or for 1-1 coaching, where the coach isn't playing and maintains social distancing at all times".
As well as this, specialist acBviBe's taking place in the Healthy Lifestyle Centre, such as the Centre's Exercise on Referral Programme, LifeFit, will remain under review - as these classes are open delivered to customers who are likely to be more at risk.
Ms Herridge added:
"We appreciate there are some significant changes to the way we operate during these unprecedented times, and ask our customers and members to be understanding as we get to grips with these new operating standards. These will no doubt change as times progresses - but in the meantime, please bear with us."
President of the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture, Deputy Matt Fallaize, said:
"On behalf of the Committee, I am really proud of all the staff team for coming together to re-open such an important part of our community during this =me. A lot of changes have been made to ensure we adhere to the guidelines, and we hope the community benefit from the many physical and mental benefits the centre brings to many lives."
Bookings for all activities should be able to take place from 7am on Tuesday 2 June.