Weekly Message - June 22, 2020

Good Afternoon MAST Families,

Please accept my apology for the length of this message.  I hope that you find it useful.

It is expected that many of you are eager to know when we are going to resume swimming. I am just as eager to get started and to meet all of you.  Thanks to the hard work of our Board of Directors, Coach Emma and Coach Corey – along with the cooperation and support of so many others - we are getting close to the time we can begin swimming again.  We all appreciate your patience.

There was some hope that we would have been able to start this week but that is not going to happen.  Our members will be kept updated as the actual start time becomes more certain. 

Some are concerned about the safety of returning to swim training.  This is a very legitimate concern yet, unfortunately, it seems no one really knows (for sure) about Covid-19.  It can be argued that a swimming pool is one of the safest environments dues to the presence of Chlorine in the water. The key factors for conducting organized swim practice will be proper physical distancing (in and out of the water), proper behavior (not spitting in the water, not sharing water bottles, etc.), proper cleaning and disinfecting and removing anyone who may have exposure or symptoms of Covid-19.

Our team values each and every team member and we are committed to avoid any unnecessary risk.  Each family will have to determine for themselves what their risk tolerance is going to be as we move forward. We are planning to return to regular practice soon and hope that we will be able to conduct practices without any problems.       

The following is from the CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html last reviewed on June 19, 2020:

“There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, or water playgrounds. Additionally, proper operation of these aquatic venues and disinfection of the water (with chlorine or bromine) should inactivate the virus.

While there is ongoing community spread of the virus, it is important for individuals, as well as operators of public pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds (for example, at hotels or apartment complexes or owned by communities) to take steps to ensure health and safety:

• Everyone should follow state, local, territorial, or tribal guidance that might determine when and how public pools, hot tubs, or water playgrounds may operate and might include CDC considerations.
• Individuals should continue to protect themselves and others at public pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds, both in and out of the water – for example, by staying at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with and wearing cloth face covers when not in the water.
• In addition to ensuring water quality and safety, operators of public pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds should follow guidance on cleaning and disinfecting community facilities.

Please also consider these guidelines from Ohio Swimming:

“This document is intended to help provide guidance and clarification to some of the rules outlined in the Governor’s Local Pools, Public Pools, and Aquatic Centers Orders.

1. Keep in mind that you must adhere to all local and state mandates and you should assist those in charge of your facility in staying up to date with those mandates.

2. The ideal level for proper disinfecting is a pH level of 7.4-7.6 and chlorine level of 2.0 ppm. This level should also offer the most comfortable environment for your athletes.

3. The number of people allowed in the pool area is based on the square footage of your facility. The pool managers should be able to provide you that number.

4. Locker rooms will be closed. Athletes must arrive with their swimsuits on.

5. Athletes may not enter the facility early.

6. When entering and exiting, all individuals must maintain appropriate social distancing of at least six feet.

7. Athletes will enter and exit through designated areas.

8. Entries and exits will be marked with signs reminding all individuals to maintain appropriate safety protocols.

9. An assigned coach or staff member shall survey athletes and coaches entering the facility. If they are symptomatic in any way, the athlete or coach will not be permitted to enter the facility. Symptoms include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing, or other symptoms identified by the CDC – see daily entry survey.

10. Athletes must leave with swimsuit on.

11. Athletes must shower at home.

12. Athletes may not congregate after practice.

13. A 15-minute block between sessions should be scheduled. The 15-minute block will be designated to disinfect the area before the next group of swimmers enters the facility.

14. Removal of starting blocks is suggested to reduce the surfaces being touched by athletes.

15. Recommended that only one parent per swim family may enter the facility if the space is large enough to maintain social distancing.

16. Parents must maintain proper social distancing protocol.

17. Parents may not use locker rooms or water fountains.

18. Parents who do not enter the building may not exit their cars and congregate in the parking lot.

19. Masks should be worn consistently and properly.*

20. Masks should be regularly inspected, maintained, and replaced, as necessary.

21. Masks should be properly removed, cleaned, and stored or disposed of, as applicable, to avoid contamination of self, others, or the environment.

22. Swimmers and coaches must wash their hands with a disinfectant soap and water (for 20 seconds or longer) or use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available, upon entering the facility.

23. Swimmers may not share equipment.

24. Swimmers should bring a full water bottle labeled with his/her name. Water fountains should not be accessible to anyone.

25. Swimmers must use their personal equipment only.

26. Avoid touching gates, fences, benches, etc. if possible. Any surfaces that are touched, should be disinfected.

27. Swimmers and coaches must follow directions for spacing and stay at least six feet apart. On-deck instruction and discussions are prohibited if appropriate distancing may not be maintained in doing so.

28. All parties on deck must not make physical contact with others, such as shaking hands or giving a high five.

29. Athletes must avoid sharing drinks or towels.

30. Athletes and coaches must maintain social distancing when taking a break.

31. Athletes/coaches who begin to cough/sneeze for any reason, must move away from others until coughing/sneezing dissipates.

32. At the conclusion of each group, all common surfaces should be wiped down and disinfected.

33. A safe return to the pool would be 2 swimmers per lane, starting at opposite ends. A third swimmer could be added in the middle of the pool and still be well within the 6-foot social distancing guidelines. USA Swimming guidelines allow for up to 27 swimmers in a six lane pool. Your facility will most likely dictate how many swimmers you may start with.

*Please note that coaches are not required to wear masks while coaching but will have a masks available for any individual discussions if proper physical distancing cannot be maintained.

As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me through the club e-mail address:  [email protected]

Have a safe evening, 

Monty