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SWIMMING POOL IN BIG DEMAND BY VARIETY OF USERS

Use of the Claygate Community Pool now extends from lane swimming to lifesaving coaching and from water polo to paddle boarding – and in just two years has become the village focal point for anyone who loves water-based ac􀀣vity. Here are some of the latest initiatives:

Paddle board coaching: February saw the start of stand up paddle board (SUP) coaching. The one-hour sessions are for beginners and include a safety brief and hire of kit, buoyancy aid and leash. Groups are limited to four and free tea, coffee and biscuits are available to spectators in the community room. Led by Diana Thorne, a Level 3 SUP Coach with the British Canoeing Awarding Body, the sessions cost £55. For more information, visit @the.sup.adventure.girl on Facebook.com and nextdoor.co.uk

New Aquacise coach: Gina King is the new aqua aerobics coach at the pool. Gina’s Aquacise sessions are low-impact, high-energy workouts for all fitness levels. Anyone looking to improve cardiovascular health, build strength or simply enjoy the therapeutic benefits of water exercise, can join sessions held on Mondays at 11am with prices from £10, dependent on booking type. Visit the pool website for more information or email Gina directly at Gkunity2020@gmail.com.

Water Babies: Also new for 2025 are swimming lessons for babies. Water Babies Learn For Life runs sessions on Monday mornings from 9.45am to 10.45am. See the pool website for further information or call 01932 227428 to contact Water Babies direct.

Longer opening hours: With an expanded range of activities at the pool, there are plans to extend the opening hours, including later evenings on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Further details, along with an updated timetable, will be posted on the pool website soon.

Building improvements: To ensure Claygate Community Pool is as efficient and environmentally responsible as possible, there are plans to upgrade the plant. These include a replacement UV filter and a new dosing plant control unit. The pool management committee is also seeking funding for additional solar panels. Covered cycle racks have also been installed at the entrance to the site.

Community use: While Claygate Community Pool continues to innovate and offer more for everyone, no compromise has been made to its core offering. There are 20 lane swimming and five family sessions every week. Claygate Primary School has 10 sessions weekly and Surbiton High School runs a weekly water polo club. Kingston Royals Swimming Club runs 30 sessions every week and mother and baby and toddler sessions are complemented by Angel Swim’s 10 weekly sessions. Claygate Scout Group is another regular user, holding monthly canoe and lifesaving training, and Capelfield Surgery and Wingham Court continue to provide health and rehabilitation sessions at the pool.

Become a member: Joining Claygate Community Pool gives exclusive benefits, such as access to lane swimming and family sessions and the opportunity to book the community room for private parties. Email claygatepoolmembership@gmail.com to learn more, or visit https://claygatecommunitypool.co.uk/