Following the further easing of restrictions in Scotland, I am disappointed that it looks likely that the option for pools to re-open will 'not come before 31st July'. Why are pools not reopening sooner?

Swimming is a non-contact sport. It is in a safe environment with chlorinated pools providing a hygienic and sanitised environment for users. It is highly possible for social distancing to be enforced with the correct protocols in place. Leisure centres are already devising detailed guidelines and procedures to ensure users safety, such as temperature checks on entry, masks on poolside, no changing room facilities available and a one-way system around the pool deck.

Swimming is not just a sport but also a fundamental life skill, one that cannot be ignored. Young children need to continue learning how to swim. Club level swimmers deserve to be allowed to continue their training. Swimming is a lifeline for many elderly individuals – a low-impact form of exercise that provides physical benefits regardless of age or weight or medical condition, such as arthritis.

Swimming pools will need help to survive this crisis. Pools across the country have frozen memberships and closed doors. Like so many other businesses across the UK, there has been no money coming in for many months. Leisure centres will collapse and we will lose swimmers the longer this delay in reopening and providing assistance goes on for. Clarity is needed for when they are able to reopen, as time is needed to bring pools back up to operational standards and implement adequate hygiene measures.

With protocols and hygiene measurements properly in place, swimming pools can reopen in a safe and controlled way. It is vital that in Scotland we push to get pools open as safely and as quickly as possible so people can enjoy both the physical and mental benefits swimming can bring.