We speak to Liverpool Watersports Centre as they reopen to the public

Liverpool Watersports Centre has reopened for customers wanting to get out and about and active again after lockdown.

Initially sports on offer will be limited to open water swimming, stand-up paddleboard, sit-on-top kayaking and rafted canoeing, but the activities will be reviewed and updated in the weeks or months to come.

Certain procedures have been changed and measures put in place, they say, to ensure the safety of those taking part and members of its staff, which they say are for the ‘foreseeable future’.

And, due to current health and safety guidelines, there are no changing facilities and the café and toilets remain closed.

A spokesman for LWS said:

“Following recent Government guidance, we are delighted to say certain activities at the centre have opened.

“All bookings will be via the website, but LWC will be open for customers wishing to visit us for their daily exercise and enjoy Watersports activities.”

Measures include:

 – Customers abiding by the 2m social distancing rule on the centre and in the water space. There will be a one-way entry and exit point in and around the centre, and people are asked to avoid using the ladders, and use pontoons only.

 – Be sensible, follow the government guidance. ‘We expect users to apply these rules thoroughly’.

 – Numbers will be limited as to those allowed on site at any one time and staff will be present to supervise the customers.

 – The Centre will not handle any valuables. There will be a valuables container for keys and phones but this will be at customers’ own risk.

 – Only experienced open water swimmers are allowed on the lifeguarded sessions.

Additional to this, other measures include:

 – Do not visit if you have any of the coronavirus symptoms.

 – Follow the signage on the centre.

 – Hand sanitiser will be available around the centre for customers and staff to wash their hands before and after activities and throughout the day.

 – Staff will clean equipment between sessions

 – Non-contact rescues will be performed by staff as and when required using appropriate methods laid down by the governing bodies. Emergency Procedures still apply for an unconscious casualty.

The spokesman said: “Staff will follow the safe operating procedures and risk assessments for each activity with added coronavirus precautions. 

“Should we need too, we will change the rules at any time.

“Please bear with us as we operate in this new way.”

For the new timetable, click here.

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