Hi there since my diagnosis with CLL I have steered clear of my local swimming pool. As a result of Covid new protocols are now in place, i.e. a maximum of 10 people in the large pool, strict adherence to lane swimming, arrive swim ready and the showers are out of bounds. Any views or advice, is swimming a NO NO?
Thank you
I originally answered this before I checked your profile- since you are in the UK- I have deleted my USA based opinion. The NHS & your government have different rules that you should follow. (We in the USA are on our own).
Len
Thank you
I would love to start swimming again. I was waiting to see what happened and if it was safe.
My grandsons have began lessons and are ok.
Numbers are going up and it wouldnt be a surprise if some of us are locked down.
I swam for years and only stopped because I had really bad fatigue. I live in an area where the numbers are low but as I am being treated and have low immunity I darent go.
If I were you I would take into account how high the numbers are in your area and if you are happy with the hygiene.
I would give it a couple of weeks and see what the covid situation is.
Its too soon for me whilst covid numbers are rising and it is a decision only you can take.
When its safe to go you will need to be as quick as you can entering and leaving the building. It is changing rooms that are likely to contain the virus. The pool staff know this but if covid numbers stay low it will be safer.
Anne uk
Hi thank you for your message.....I am ready to take the plunge early next week
I dont blame you. I have had cll for nearly 20 years and have immunity issues. When I was diagnosed and in early stages I swam at least 3 times a week and it didnt enter my head to be extra careful. If things are still low where I live, I might enquire. If numbers in the pool are low there may be a queue for slots.
I’m back swimming. The one way system in the centre is great. Everyone wearing masks as far as changing rooms and cleaning seems to be pretty constant. Timed bookings. Enjoy being back to
It. Good system in the pool. I go with my costume on and shower when I get home.
Thanks for your message. I have visited the pool and discussed with my haematology nurse and am ready to take the plunge
As a regular swimmer this is one of the things I have missed most. Our gym / pool have not been able to open as their air conditioning does not comply with Covid 19 requirements. We were up in the Lake District last week staying at a lovely hotel on Ullswater . Apart from swimming in the lake ( not for us! ) they had a beautiful indoor pool where they took bookings for 45 minutes and never had more than 6 people in the pool which was spacious enough. Safety and hygiene protocols were first class with the pool area being cleaned after each 45 minute slot and at this time of the year, most of the swimming slots were adult only. Felt very comfortable but did step up our own cleaning/ washing protocols as well.
This week we are looking at another gym/pool which is open with usual safety regime- bookings only for 30 minute slots, strict limit on numbers no changing facilities.
The lure of the pool has won, I am ready to take the plunge after checking the pool out and discussing with my haematology nurse. Thank you for message
I've been swimming multiple times per weeks since the pools reopened here in the UK. As you say numbers are strictly limited, lanes only swimming and everyone keeping well away from everyone else. I feel less at risk in the pool than in the local shopping centre.
Jacques
Well I have decided to take the plunge early next week. I have checked the pool out it seems very well regulated and relatively empty
I’d say definitely go once and check out your pool’s new way of running things, then decide if you’re happy with the way they operate now.
My local pool (I’m in UK and use a Nuffield Health Club) opened up end of July and I started going again 1st Sept. I‘d waited to give them time to settle into the new system. It works really well. Bookings are taken for half hour lane swimming and if I time it right (mid/late evening) I can sometimes get the whole pool to myself!
I also now book the toddler pool for half hour sole use on Wednesday afternoons to take my 2 yr old granddaughter. This is the new highlight of our week. Very safe, no contact and very clean.
I find that the emotional benefits of swimming are now just as important as the physical ones.
Check it out and if you’re comfortable then go for it and enjoy every minute.
Hi...pool all checked out and my haematology nurse was very encouraging. I take the plunge early next week
That’s great news. Enjoy it. 👍
Thank you
I was swimming regularly until Covid; but had been told by oncologist not to go near the hot tub, steam room or sauna. Still not back after covid, so so tempted though. I know that the pool manager puts maximum allowance of chlorine in the pool, and I have never caught anything at all in the 8 years I have been swimming there. But the changing room scares me. If the pool wasn't in the middle of the local hotspot area, and I didnt live in Greater Manchester, I might have gone back by now. But I am not doing just yet. And I know that a swim would do me good!
Hi there thanks so much for your reply. I have just about decided to go back to swimming. I have checked out the pool and the arrangements in place and discussed with my haematology nurse who was supportive of me taking the plunge. I live in Chichester where COVID numbers are on the lower side
Cheers and good luck
Enjoy!! I feel safer at the pool than in many other places these days and the health and mental benefits of swimming are key!
I swim around 4 times a week as the procedures/restrictions in place at the pool I use are excellent. The pool as well as being chlorinated also has ultraviolet lights through which the water goes through to remove the bacteria. I felt very safe there even before Covid and continue to do so unless we end up with restrictions beyond our control which will prevent me from swimming! It’s my lifeline. Enjoy your swimming!!
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