While St George's is currently undergoing repairs, I have had some encouraging discussions to temporarily open the Phoenix School pool to you for a few sessions after Easter. More details about this will come when plans are finalised.
Last week I visited Peterborough Regional Pool to find out more about their training and sensory pool, which has now opened for public access. For some of you it will be another reasonable alternative if you need to get into warmer water. Below I have compiled some Q&As for you:
Q. What is the pool like?The training pool is larger than St George's, and is able to accommodate 32 people after 9am. At 32°C and no deeper than 0.9m, it is warmer and shallower than a general swimming pool and offers some support for exercise. Like St George's, there is a lifeguard on poolside, and basic pool equipment such as woggles and flotation aids are available (though you are welcome to bring your own as well).
The viewing gallery is on the second floor for any members of your family who wish to sit in with you.
Q. What is accessibility like?All pools at the Regional are situated on the first floor. There is a lift which all customers can use which is located next to the reception desk.
There are 3 accessible changing rooms (also on the first floor), one of which is a specialist changing room for people with disabilities - ask at reception for the key to this room. The entrances and exits to the pool from the changing areas are wheelchair-friendly, and both wheelchairs and mobility aids are welcome on poolside.
You can also use a mobile hoist (provided onsite) both in the changing rooms and on pool side. You will need to ask at reception for this.
Access into the training pool is either via ladder-style steps or via a set of gradual steps with a hand rail.
Please however note that there is no raised wall around the pool, neither is there a handrail around the walls in the pool hall. If you need assistance with walking to and from the pool, ask one of the lifeguards on site.
Q. Do I need to book or self-refer?There is no booking system or self-referral for this pool; you can turn up on the door. However, it is advised that you ring up in advance for peace of mind, as the training pool does have a limit of 32 people (see above). This means that there is no guarantee you will be able to get in should the pool be at maximum capacity. The pool is very popular, especially with families, so it is best to ring and find out if it's busy (Details are listed below).
As the temperature is slightly cooler than that of St George's, there is no limit to how long you can stay in the pool.
Q. What about GP Referral Sessions?On Tuesday evenings between 7:30pm and 9pm the sensory pool hosts sessions for GP referral patients of Vivacity - where customers who have been referred to Vivacity by a health care professional can access the pool for just £2.50. These sessions do not come with an instructor, and although you can book into these sessions, I am told that numbers are low so for now you can simply turn up.
On Thursday evenings between 7pm and 8pm, there are additional inclusive sessions, again priced at £2.50. You do not need a referral for these sessions.
For more information about this pool, including admission fees and contact details, please visit the following website:
www.vivacity-peterborough.com/…/heath…/sensory-pool/From everyone at St George's Community Hydrotherapy Pool and Peterborough City Council, I hope you all had a very Happy Easter.
