No pets except for doggy swim event
No glass on site during swim sessions
No smoking or vaping
No swim aids beyond the non-swimmer notice
Under 10s must be accompanied by a paying adult 16+
No lilos or extra large inflatables
No flippers, fins, snorkels of full face masks
No Alcohol or drugs
No diving under 1.8m
No Rough play
No Bombing, pushing or ducking
No Shouting
What are your main rules?
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Can I change my on-line booking
You can only change your booking if you created or used an account at the check-out. You'll be able to amend your booking via the link in your confirmation email. If you check-out as a guest you will NOT be able to change your booking.
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Can I book by phone?
Only if you have a Season Ticket.
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Why can't I book by phone if I don't have a season ticket?
Our volunteers are often busy helping customers on-site and do not have spare time to manage payments over the phone. We are unable to accept any reservations or bookings without payment as no-show bookings have blocked spaces in the past, spoiling fun for those left unable to get in.
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Do I need to pay to come in with my child?
Yes – All people must pay to enter Brightlingsea Lido.
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Does my carer have to pay when they are assisting me
Carers do not need to pay when they are working.
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CAN CHILDREN COME IN ON THEIR OWN?
Yes – if they are over 10yrs. We recommend pre-booking
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WHY DID I NOT RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL FOR MY BOOKING?
Check spam folder. If not there, you may have entered your email address wrongly. Please email brightlingsealido@gmail.com and we can check
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CAN I PAY BY CARD?
Yes We accept most major credit and debit cards as well as Google and Apple Pay in the swimming pool and at our cafe. We do not accept American Express.
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CAN I TURN UP AND QUEUE?
We strongly advise booking - since sessions often sell out in advance see https://brightlingsealido.nuwebgroup.com/
But any spaces unsold can be bought online or at kiosk for the current session that is taking place.
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Do you have Showers?
Yes we have hot showers in the changing rooms
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Is the pool heated
No, our pool is not heated
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How many people are allowed in the pool?
Our sessions will be limited to 45 for lane swimming and 300 for general swim sessions.
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ARE SESSIONS CANCELLED IN ADVANCE DUE TO LIGHTNING?
No. We do not cancel sessions in advance due to lightning risk since action is needed only if we judge that a storm has come within 6 miles of the pool, and this cannot be predicted in advance.
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WHAT HAPPENS IN THE EVENT OF THUNDER/LIGHTNING?
We follow ROSPA guidance which indicates that when, in the judgement of the lifeguarding team, the lightning is within around 6 miles of the Brightlingsea Lido, then we need to clear pool and get people to safe place. We only return 30 mins after last sound of thunder.
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What is a Quiet Session?
A quiet session is for anyone who needs or prefers a calmer, quieter environment. Loud talking, shouting or music is not allowed, however we are an open-air pool by a beach promenade, so some external noise is inevitable.
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WILL THERE BE LANE SWIMMING DURING GENERAL SWIM SESSIONS?
No
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CAN WE TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS?
We have a responsible photography policy; please focus on the people you are with and be considerate of others who may not wish to appear in your photos. If you post on social media please tag us @brightlido as we love seeing all your pictures! No photos underwater or in changing rooms. If you are concerned about someone else’s photography, please speak to the duty manager. Publicity Photographs: Occasionally publicity photographs and videos will be taken, by Brightlingsea Lido or Authorised persons. Please identify yourself to reception if you do not wish to be included in any publicity material.
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WHY DO I NEED TO SHOWER BEFORE I SWIM?
When people get in the pool, any stuff which is on your skin and clothes will wash off into the water. This then needs to be cleaned by our filters or neutralised by chemicals. The more stuff added, the more it means the pool water risks degraded in quality to the degree where we might have to close the pool for a few days to restore water quality. Showering helps us keep the pool open for everyone.
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WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WATER FALLS BELOW 15C?
We will close the paddling pool and not allow any under 16s in the main pool. We would refund child tickets already booked and those for any accompanying adults.
We would also advise to follow cold water swim advice: see eg Outdoor Swim Society.
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CAN I WEAR A WETSUIT?
Yes, but please wash them thoroughly before entering the water, particularly if you use the suit in the river or sea.
We also hire wetsuits
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CAN I HIRE THE POOL FOR PRIVATE FUNCTIONS?
The pool is available for private hire when no scheduled swims are timetabled. If you would like more information or to book then please email brightlingsealido@gmail.com
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CAN I USE FLIPPERS, SNORKELS AND MONO-FINS?
Customers are welcome to use flippers, snorkels and mono-fins during lane swimming. Please ask a lifeguard before use in a general swim session. The use of mermaid tails is not permitted.
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CAN I BRING MY OWN CHAIRS AND PARASOLS?
Customers are welcome to bring their own seating and umbrellas.
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AM I ALLOWED TO BRING MY OWN INFLATABLES OR TOYS?
Customers are welcome to bring their own inflatables and toys, but we ask customers to check with lifeguards before taking them into the pool as items larger than 3ft/1m may be too large if we have a busy session. We do not allow lilos. Bubbles are not allowed on site.
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CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD AND DRINK?
Customers are welcome to bring their own picnics, But NO alcohol or glass items. We also have a café on site which sells hot and cold food and drinks if you'd prefer.