The Byw’n Iach company is in the process of reopening leisure centres across Gwynedd.

The safety of customers and staff is the highest priority and the team have worked very hard to introduce changes to the premises and employee training arrangements have been put in place so that the people of Gwynedd have the opportunity to train and exercise in a safe environment.

The Arfon, Penllyn and Glaslyn Centres (dry services only) opened on 21 August 2020, with the Arfon and Glaslyn swimming pools opening to the public from 21 September.

The aim is to open the Byw’n Iach Centres at Plas Ffrancon (Bethesda), Bangor, Plas Silyn (Penygroes), Dwyfor in Pwllheli (dry facilities only), Glan Wnion (Dolgellau) and the Pavilion (Barmouth) by 21 September 2020 and the Bro Dysynni Byw’n Iach centre by 5 October 2020.There has been a delay in opening the centre in Tywyn as a result of necessary maintenance work.

Unfortunately technical problems mean that there will be further delays in opening Byw’n Iach Bro Ffestiniog, Dwyfor Swimming Pool and Penllyn (Y Bala) Swimming Pool. Once a timetable is available for the re-opening of these facilities, Byw’n Iach will release an update on their website and social media accounts.

The following services will be available at the Byw’n Iach Centres when they re-open:

• Fitness Rooms
• Fitness Classes
• Use of Synthetic Fields and Sports Halls by formal clubs and organizations
• Swimming for clubs, individuals and families
• Lane Swimming and public Family Swimming
• Racket Sports

Councillor Berwyn Parry Jones, Chair of the Board of Byw’n Iach, said: “We understand that a large number of you are very keen to see more services offered. The staff are working very hard to allow that to happen.

“More information on things like free swimming, personal training sessions, children’s training sessions and swimming lessons will be released over the coming weeks.
“Our priority is to offer these services whilst keeping users and staff safe”.

In line with the recent Welsh Government announcement, visitors to centres that are 11 years and older, are required to wear a face covering within the centres

Whilst face coverings are not required whilst exercising, they must be worn:

· Upon entry to the leisure centre
· In the reception area
· In any other public areas (toilets, changing rooms, corridors etc.)
· When leaving the centre after exercising

At present it is not possible to offer Exercise Referral sessions / NERS on Byw’n Iach sites, with the company awaiting an update from health partners before planning the next step. Meanwhile staff continue to offer online support through Zoom to existing clients. This has proved very popular during the lockdown.

Amanda Davies, Managing Director of Byw’n Iach added: “There will be inevitable changes in terms of how you use the centres to protect customers and staff. For example, advance booking, very limited use of changing facilities and some areas and services will not be available from the start etc.

“We are looking forward to welcoming people back to our centres, but it’s important that everyone remembers to observe social distancing and follow all our other Covid guidelines during every visit.

“Our website has detailed information on our Covid arrangements, how the centres will work and what services will be available at each centre.”

Here is a summary of some of the main changes:

• All activities will need to be booked in advance.
• All customers will need to declare that they are fit and have not been advised to isolate before visiting.
• The number of people who can take part in any activities will be limited to ensure social distancing e.g smaller fitness classes, fewer people in the fitness room at once.
• There will be very limited use of changing rooms, so you will need to arrive already changed for your activity. There will be provision for disabled people.
• New sanitary stations will be located around each building
• Equipment and sessions will have moved to a new location in several centres to create more space e.g use of sports halls for fitness.
• The appearance of the centres will have changed with the introduction of reception screens, new signage throughout each centre and some areas and equipment will be out of use e.g water fountains and vending machines.
• Staff will supervise to ensure that the new rules are understood and adhered to.
If you’re already a Byw’n Iach member and would like to resume using centres, you will need to register to unfreeze your membership. Details of how to this are on the website.

If you do not feel ready to return at this time, your Byw’n Iach package will remain frozen for the time being. You don’t need to do anything. Remember that you can join online fitness sessions via Zoom free of charge in the meantime. These sessions are very popular and there are a number of sessions varying from low intensity to very active.

If you are a member and have not received any emails over the last few months your details likely need updating. Please send an email to: cyswllt@bywniach.cymru with your full name, address, telephone number and membership / card number (if you know it). New customers will be able to join when the centres have re-opened.

Full details of the re-opening arrangements are available on the Byw’n Iach website: https://www.bywniach.cymru/ – if you have any questions please call your local centre to discuss your options or contact us at cyswllt@bywniach.cymru.