Are all public swimming pools now open in France?
Yes, swimming pools are now fully able to open in France.
They are officially able to open in all departments classed as ‘green’ and this is now all of mainland France.
The colour classification relates to a series of tests into the spread and intensity of Covid-19 locally.
The last pools opened on June 22 in the Ile-de-France region. Pools however remain closed in Mayotte and French Guiana as these two French overseas departments are still classified as orange.
Read more: 20 pools to reopen with new rules in France
There are rules to follow to visit a public pool. Some pools require a reservation which can be done either online, by phone, or at the reception desk directly.
Antibacterial gel is also available at the entrance to the pools.
Social distancing and 'barrier gestures' (keeping one metre of distance between you and others, washing your hands, coughing or sneezing in your elbow) must be respected.
Ad
Collective changing rooms are closed but individual cubicles are available. One shower out of two is available, and one locker out of two is closed off. Hairdryers are not available.
The number of swimmers is also limited as each swimmer must have at least 4m sq. of space, and the amount of time you can stay at the swimming pool is often being limited to avoid too many swimmers entering at the same time. It varies from 90 minutes to three hours, according to individual pool rules.
Related: France deconfinement: What opens June 22, in July and beyond
Ad
Swimmers can be required to wear a mask once they are out of the water, notably from the reception desk to the changing rooms. Staff should also wear a mask or protective equipment and respect social distancing, recommends the public health agency, Agence Régionale de Santé (ARS).
