British Swimming has been left disappointed by yesterday's government announcement that swimming pools and leisure facilities will not reopen as part of the latest relaxation of lockdown restrictions.
Given the hugely important role and positive impact that swimming and aquatics activities - alongside other indoor sports - have on people's physical and mental health, extensive work has been put in place over recent weeks where we have shown that safe environments can be created.
British Swimming wanted this to be a stepping stone for the government to recognise that pools can operate in a managed environment.
While we continue to follow government advice and the DCMS elite return to training guidance in line with the elite athletes we already have back in training, we are hopeful that moves can be made to prioritise getting swimmers of all levels across the country back in pools at the earliest and safest opportunity.
We remain fully supportive of Swim England's #OpenOurPools campaign.
British Swimming CEO Jack Buckner said: "I agree fully with the other sports on this really poor decision. So much great work has gone on to prepare for pools and indoor sports facilities to reopen. We can be trusted in sport to respect the rules and do a great job for the nation's health and fitness."