2021 Season Update

Mixed Pond Public Swimming
Re-Opens 29th March 2021
Exciting news for all Mixed Pond swimmers, we are now less than 2 weeks away from outdoor swimming being permitted under Covid restrictions AND, the Mixed Pond will be opening to the public at 7am on Monday, 29th March 2021. 

This is about 6 weeks earlier than normal and the Mixed Pond will also be staying open and lifeguarded until 31st October. PLUS (yes, there is more good news) the opening hours of the Mixed Pond will fall in line with the other ponds on the Heath which means it will be open later than usual during the summer months.

Swimming Season Tickets
Everyone (including Mixed Pond Association members) has to pay to swim. Pre-booking details are not yet confirmed, but we believe there will be no need to book your session until early May. Until then, there will be timed swim sessions as per last year, but you can (subject to numbers of swimmers) turn up and pay or scan your season ticket.

Swimming Season Tickets are now back on sale so, if you want to make the most of your swims this year then visit the link below. If there are any Covid related suspensions of swimming then your ticket will be extended.

HOW TO BUY A SEASON TICKET

Update Regarding Swim Charges
Whilst the Mixed Pond Association does not agree with the enforced charging that was introduced last year, fighting this has so far been futile, and this year prices have generally increased by 1.3% (inflationary increase) with higher increases for concessionary tickets to bring them in line with the 40% discount given to other sporting facilities on the Heath.

As a committee, continue to work with the other pond associations to find ways to overturn this policy and a joint group consisting of members from each of the swim groups continues to investigate options and is also looking at getting the City to improve the scope of the "hardship fund" that was set-up.

If you have specific feedback regarding the charges then please get in touch with us by replying to this email.  

If you are, or would like to become, a regular pond swimmer and are struggling with the charges then we recommend you approach the management team at Hampstead Heath by emailing hh-swimming@cityoflondon.gov.uk, and also feel free to contact the MPA directly (and in confidence) as we will try to help you.  We want to do as much as we can to ensure swimming remains inclusive and affordable in these difficult times.

Other Important Information for Heath Swimmers in 2021
What We Know So Far
(Subject to change).

• For the whole of 2021 timed swim slots will remain in place as per last year.
  
  
• There will be a cap on numbers admitted to the pond enclosure at any one time to enable everyone to maintain social distancing.
  
  
• For the first part of the swim season (probably until early May) there will be no need to pre-book your timed swim slot.
  
  
• From May (final details TBC) you will need to book a slot to swim and season tickets will be accepted for online bookings.
  
  
• Throughout the season, early morning swims (from opening until 9.30am) will NOT require pre-booking but will still have capped entry numbers.
  
  
• Currently, children are still not permitted to swim in any ponds at any time due to the perceived increased rescue risks during Covid. There are however regular family swims at the Lido. This rule may be updated/changed later in the season.

For more details about opening details/timings and how the Mixed Pond will operate keep an eye on this page. We will send out updates as and when we have more information.