Details released for re-opening of Gwynedd leisure centres as Covid-19 regulations eased

Following announcements of easing Covid-19 regulations in Wales, a number of leisure centres in Gwynedd are re-opening to customers.

The centres at Plas Ffrancon, Bangor, Arfon, Plas Silyn, Dwyfor, Glaslyn, Glan Wnion, Pafiliwn, Penllyn and Bro Dysynni are re-opening their doors to customers to safely get active from 4 May.

Customers can visit the gym, take part in fitness classes and sports sessions or lane and family swimming in the pool.

Amanda Davies, Managing Director of Byw’n Iach, said: “It’s been a long period since the facilities have been available because of the regulations to manage Covid-19 but we are delighted to be able to re-open our Byw’n Iach centres and to welcome people back.

“We know that a number of people will feel a little anxious about returning.

“But research during the autumn and winter has proven that centres are safe places with the additional Covid safe arrangements that are in place.

“These systems include a very clear social distancing procedure, additional and regular cleaning arrangements, a significant reduction in the number of people who can be on the premises at the same time, Covid training for all staff and the maintenance and adaptations to the ventilation systems that allow fresh air to enter all parts of the building to industry standards.

“It is also important to remember that substantial research has confirmed that there is a very clear link between being active and fit and a person’s resistance to Covid-19 and many other diseases.

“By keeping fit we can all protect our health and reduce the demand on the health service. ”

By reopening, Byw’n Iach will offer the popular family swimming sessions where each family has their own use of part of the pool for an hour session.

Free swimming sessions for people aged 60+ will also restart.

Group activities, which include popular fitness class programmes as well as swimming and gymnastics lessons for children, will also resume.

It will also be possible for clubs to return indoors and outdoors – by sticking to a maximum of 15 people in a group indoors and 30 outside for the time being.

If you would like a place for your child in swimming or gymnastics lessons, please contact your local centre to ask if there is space available or if you can join the waiting list.

Unfortunately neither Dwyfor nor Bro Ffestiniog swimming pools will re-open at present as necessary maintenance work continues on both sites.

Byw’n Iach will update customers once the transfer date has been confirmed by the contractors.

The NERS (Exercise Referral) Team will also gradually expand their work and support new clients over the coming weeks. If you feel the team can support you, talk to your GP or community nurse to see if it’s the right option for you.

To support those who may feel they need a little extra support, Byw’n Iach is running brand new “Active for Life” weekly sessions at all sites from the week commencing 7 June 2021.

Taster sessions for a wide variety of activities will be available, such as yoga, outdoor light circuits, wellbeing walks, gardening sessions and new things like walking football will also be held.

You don’t have to be a member to attend these informal sessions – everyone is welcome to call in, and exact days and times for each centre will be available on the Byw’n Iach website nearer the time.

For more information about all the activities available at the centres, visit the www.bywniach.cymru website or follow the Byw’n Iach Gwynedd pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

If you can’t find the information you need, email contact@bywniach.cymru or call your local centre (numbers available on the website).