British Swimming chief executive Jack Buckner has criticised the government's "really poor decision" to delay reopening pools despite the relaxation of lockdown restrictions.
Buckner's comments follow criticism of the move, which was announced on Tuesday, and which also continues to curtail other indoor sports such as gymnastics and badminton.
Buckner said: "I agree fully with the other sports on this really poor decision. So much great work has gone on to prepare for pools and indoor sports facilities to reopen.
British Swimming response to government pool announcement | General News | British Swimming @britishswimming @JMNSwimmer @Swim_England @Andyjamesonswim @sharrond62 @BeckAdlington @adam_peaty https://t.co/GWS8Iao4CU — jack buckner (@jackrbuckner) June 24, 2020
"We can be trusted in sport to respect the rules and do a great job for the nation's health and fitness."
Officials from the affected sports reacted with uncharacteristic fury when the government announced that, while pubs, hotels and hairdressers could reopen on July 4, their activities must wait.
Badminton England chief executive Adrian Christy called it a "mystifying decision", while British Gymnastics accused the government of "massively letting the sports community down".
Olympic gold medallist Adam Peaty tweeted a plea to Boris Johnson to reconsider the move, while Swim England chief executive Jane Nickerson described it as an "appalling decision".
British Swimming added in a statement released on Wednesday: "British Swimming wanted this to be a stepping stone for the government to recognise that pools can operate in a managed environment.
"While we continue to follow government advice and the DCMS elite return to training guidance in line with the elite athletes we already have back in training, we are hopeful that moves can be made to prioritise getting swimmers of all levels across the country back in pools at the earliest and safest opportunity."
