Pontoons to be removed for the winter

The swimming pontoons in Plymouth Sound are due to be removed in the week commencing 6 October

Two swimming pontoons are to be removed for the winter months.

Plymouth Sound National Marine Park said they would be removed during the week of the 6 October depending on weather conditions.

The pontoons are due to be cleaned and put in winter storage and returned to the water the beginning of April.

Tors Froud, partnership and inclusion manager for the park, said the pontoons were moored to the sea floor but when the swell was bad in the winter the pontoons could get damaged or moved.

"As soon as we start seeing the Atlantic storm stacking up, knowing that they get battered really quite badly where they're located, it's safer for everybody for them to be removed," she said.

Ms Froud said it was a shame they were being removed as "the water temperature at the moment it's like the best temperature that we get this time of year", but the main concern was water safety.

She said the most popular times for swimmers using the pontoons were in the early morning or in the evening.

'Within your parameters'

Ms Froud said her message to those who are concerned about not having somewhere to rest when sea swimming would be to know their limits.

She said the yellow swim markers would be staying out throughout the winter.

Ms Froud advised swimmers to work out their exit route before going in the water, to use a swim float, to swim with somebody and be mindful of water temperature.

She added: "Water shock is one of our key issues within the community.

"It's absolutely fine but for anybody that thinks over the winter time yes I want to start getting to sea swimming, please hold fire - build yourself up with your resistance."