Nations around the world are slowly starting the planning process for opening back up public spaces with the flattening of the coronavirus curve. Per Johns Hopkins University data as of April 29th, the hardest-hit nations of the United States, Italy, and the United Kingdom are all currently experiencing a decrease in new coronavirus cases confirmed each day for a 5-day period. (JH)
With this in mind, the British Swimming Coaches Association (BSCA) has published revised guidance for members to heed upon the eventual return to the pool.
“It is imperative that coaches, Clubs and providers ensure that they are cognisant of any advice, conditions and rules set by their respective governments, public health authorities and National Governing Body,” reads the statement dated today, April 30th.
Here is a sampling among the list of 25 recommendations, which you can read in full here:
- Prescribed time windows of entry & changing for groups which are rigidly maintained to limit numbers in changing areas – anyone late is refused entry on grounds of safety
- Agree with providers numbers to be allowed in the respective pool at any one time and any amended movement protocols required around the space
- Agree with providers numbers to be allowed per lane and consider swimmers starting at opposing ends of the pool, whilst in the same lane.
- Swimmers to shower at home pre & post sessions & not at training pools
- Any swimmer who has a new cough or a temperature does not train for 14 days
- Any swimmer who lives with anyone who is ill does not train for 14 days
- Any swimmer with an underlying health condition does not train/swim
Today, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the United Kingdom is ‘past the peak’ of its coronavirus pandemic and ‘vowed to put out a plan next week to get the country’s economy reopened.’
“I will be setting out a comprehensive plan next week to explain first how we get our economy moving, how we can get our children back to school, back into child care, second, and thirdly how we can travel to work and how we can make life in the workplace safer,” Johnson said, according to Bloomberg News.
Pool management often ignores the ‘shower’ requirement, and I’ve heard many swimmers use the excuse ‘I just showered at home’. Swim team members are among the most common ‘not showering’ groups, and lifeguards tend to ‘go on break’ when team swimmers take over the pool. For me, I would NOT allow the “I showered at home” excuse. I want to see a swimmer thoroughly wet, including hair, immediately before jumping into the pool. There must be some other reason showering AT the pool is discouraged. I can’t imagine what the risk is, but I suppose showering increases crossover time bringing more people closer together in the locker room area.
I went to a pool in Iceland once, and they had someone whose job was to monitor your showering. And if, in his opinion, you didn’t clean everywhere well enough, he’ll order you back.
I don’t think that this would ever fly in America, but it sure gets the job done there.