A 96-YEAR-OLD lido has reopened after a major upgrade, with swimmers urged to book to make the most of the heat.
With temperatures set to reach highs of 36C today, Brits across the nation will be doing everything they can to try to cool down.
Crouch End lido has reopened after a major revamp[/caption]
And although purchasing a fan or making your own air conditioner may be your first thought, taking a trip down to your local lido is great way to relax and unwind in the heat.
Crouch End Lido Reopens
Park Road Leisure Centre and Lido in Crouch End, which opened in 1931, was closed for a period of 10 days this month, to “keep the good times rolling for many more years and decades to come”.
During its closure, a new circulation pump was fitted, and pipe repairs and paving improvements were made.
Additionally, there were preparations for a new pool cover, which will be installed over the next few weeks, without interrupting the pool’s opening times.
The new cover is expected to save a whopping £35,000 in operational costs.
Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Emily Arkell, said: “We’re delighted that the Lido will be re-opening on schedule, with residents now benefitting from this newly renovated provision during peak season.
“We cannot wait to welcome our residents back to the Lido, which we know means so much to them. It’s a vital component in supporting their mental health and physical wellbeing.
“By investing in these essential improvements to the Lido and other facilities such as the teaching pool, we’re underlining our commitment to ensure Park Road Leisure Centre continues to thrive as a community hub now and in the future.”
Swimmers Urged To Book
The lido reopened again on Friday, June 27th, with swimmers urged to book slots to make the most of the hot weather.
“Remember, you must have a booking to swim at the lido. As well as pent-up demand following the 10-day closure, the pool is due to re-open during another hot spell”, the lido said in an Instagram post.
“Slots will sell out quickly.
“So if you’re a pay-monthly member, please remember to cancel any bookings you aren’t going to use as soon as possible so that someone else can take your place.”
You can book a slot at the lido on the outdoor pool’s website.
Some areas around the lido will remain cordoned off over the coming weeks, whilst preparatory works for the pool covers are finalised.
Swimming safety advice
Experts have revealed some of their top advice for both adults and kids heading to the water this summer:
How to stay safe at the beach
Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI said: “If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, try to relax and float until you are free from the rip and you can then swim to safety.
“If you see someone else in danger, alert a lifeguard or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”
How to stay safe at the swimming pool
Tiny Hearts Education, former paramedic and CEO Nikki Jurcutz said: “Always put your little one in bright or contrasting colours that would be easy to find in an emergency.
“It only takes 20 seconds to drown, little tips like this could save a life”.
An Auqabliss spokesperson added: “Swimming toys such as noodles, dive rings, floaties and beach balls can be dangerous if left in the pool.
“Children may try to grab these from the pool’s edge and fall in.”
How to stay safe at a waterpark
Ali Beckman, Puddle Ducks Technical Director, said: “Never send a child down the slide on their own, not only are they going to be entering the slide pool area independently, they then have to exit the pool and wait for an adult.
“And wave pools should be avoided until your child is really confident with water going over their faces and you know they are able to regain their feet independently.
“Waterparks are often very busy places and it’s easy to lose sight of a child in a split second.”
The installation of the cover will take place on July 3, with the lido being closed for a portion of that day.
On weekdays, the Crouch End lido is open from 7am to 7pm, with no-swimming breaks between 2:30pm and 3pm and 5pm to 5:30pm.
On weekends, the lido is open from 8am to 4pm, with breaks between 11 and 11:30am and 1:30 and 2pm.
Adults can enjoy a session at the lido for £8.95, whilst a junior ticket (11-15) costs £4.60.
Those over 65 can purchase a ticket for just £1.95, whilst residents of Haringey can get discounted tickets.
