Art Deco lido forced to close until the end of the year – despite just re-opening after £11million restoration
The 1938 lido was nearly bought by Butlins
ONE of the UK’s most beautiful lidos has been forced to temporarily close – despite just re-opening.
Saltdean Lido, in Brighton reopened this summer after a huge £11million renovation.
The 14-year project was part of National Lottery funding, which revamped the cafe and pool area.
However, the pool has been forced to close already, due to unexpected damages.
The underground leak – one of several in recent years – means the lido has had to close at short notice.
The lido said on social media: “We have experienced a few underground leaks around the pool in recent years and again earlier this year.
“We now have another leak and it is apparent that we have a problem with the pipework all around the pool.
“Despite our best efforts to keep the pool open during this period, we have been advised that there are structural risks in doing this and the water level should be reduced while excavation takes place.
“This means, very sadly, that it is necessary to close the pool until these essential works are completed.
“There is no good time to do this, but on balance, winter is better than summer.”
The works are estimated to take up to four weeks, meaning the pool could reopen by the end of the year.
Other improvements include replacing some of the roofs and windows.
They added: “We hope you will continue to support us through gym memberships, attending our events and enjoying the café and restaurant and look forward to welcoming you back into the pool soon.”
People were left gutted by the news.
One wrote: “What a great pity after all of your efforts.”
Another agreed: “So sorry to hear this … how very sad.”
Saltdean Lido has a 40 metre outdoor heated pool, meaning it remains open even during the winter months.
A kid’s splash pool and grassy area make it a popular spot in the summer months.
There are even three food eateries, along with co-working spaces and gym classes.
The Art Deco lido was built in 1938, and was seen as such an innovative design of its time.
However, it closed just two years later due to the war.
It was even nearly bought by Butlins in 1958 when it was derelict although this was scrapped.
Last summer, a new Brighton lido opened right on the beach.
Swimming safety advice
Experts have revealed some of their top advice for both adults and kids heading to the water this summer:
How to stay safe at the beach
Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI said: “If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, try to relax and float until you are free from the rip and you can then swim to safety.
“If you see someone else in danger, alert a lifeguard or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”
How to stay safe at the swimming pool
, former paramedic and CEO Nikki Jurcutz said: “Always put your little one in bright or contrasting colours that would be easy to find in an emergency.
“It only takes 20 seconds to drown, little tips like this could save a life”.
An Auqabliss spokesperson added: “Swimming toys such as noodles, dive rings, floaties and beach balls can be dangerous if left in the pool.
“Children may try to grab these from the pool’s edge and fall in.”
How to stay safe at a waterpark
Ali Beckman, Technical Director, said: “Never send a child down the slide on their own, not only are they going to be entering the slide pool area independently, they then have to exit the pool and wait for an adult.
“And wave pools should be avoided until your child is really confident with water going over their faces and you know they are able to regain their feet independently.
“Waterparks are often very busy places and it’s easy to lose sight of a child in a split second.”
Sea Lanes Brighton has a 50 metre, six-lane heated pool, with sea views too.
And here’s another lido hoping to reopen in the UK.
