State and local town pools are reopening this summer, with new safety measures in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from person to person in water in pools, hot tubs, oceans or lakes. Pool disinfectants like chlorine should also kill the virus, providing another layer of protection.
Click here to see CDC’s guidelines on public pools, hot tubs and water playgrounds.
Below are 20 rules you can expect at your local pool this summer:
1. Leisure passes or registration is required for visiting pools.
2. At some pools, visitors will be asked to sign-in with contact information to enable potential contact tracing measures.
3. Many pools in the tri-state area are opening with two sessions. Residents must register for each session before going. The number of residents permitted into the facility per session will be based upon the number of people that can be safely social distance.
4. The number of residents permitted in the facility or in the water at any time may be limited, regardless if the number is less than the number permitted by social distancing requirements.
5. Given the reduced space available due to social distancing, many facilities are only open for residents, with no guests permitted this summer.
6. Visitors must maintain social distancing of at least six feet apart from each other at all times, unless residents are with their immediate household or family members.
7. While in the facility, residents must be prepared at all times to wear face coverings whenever social distancing of six feet cannot be maintained.
8. Face coverings are not required while in the pool, however social distancing of six feet is still required.
9. Social distance areas are marked off on pool decks or where seating is permitted.
MORE: Planning on getting your own backyard pool? Click here for five safety tips for backyard above ground pool 10. In order to accommodate senior residents, some facilities will offer senior swim hours each day.
11. Due to the health requirements and restrictions, many pools will not have swimming lessons or pool parties.
12. After exiting the facility, residents can only reenter if there are no residents outside the facility waiting to get in, or the facility is not at social distancing capacity.
13. Bathrooms and showers may be available for use with restrictions.
14. Some pool facilities are asking residents to bring their own chairs, cushions, or towels for use. These must fit within the six-foot social distancing designated area.
15. If you are used to bringing your own cooler for snacks and drinks, these may not be allowed now.
16. Cleaning and disinfecting of the facility will be ongoing during each open session, however, a more thorough cleaning will occur during the time between sessions, before opening, and after closing of the facility.
17. Staff will have temperatures taken each day prior to beginning their work shift.
18. Pool staff must wear masks when social distancing cannot be maintained.
19. Given the limitations and restrictions of the pandemic, pools ask residents to be patient, understanding and compliant with the requests of the pool staff.
20. Plan pool visits and outdoor adventures ahead of time and choose alternate destinations if your first choice is closed or crowded.
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