COVID-19 Policy 

Operations Plan:

1) Lessons Structure
  • Swimmers entering the water will be staggered to allow for adequate spacing.  
  • No physical manipulation will occur.
  • Lessons will be 4-8 swimmers . 
  • Physical marks (traffic cones) may be displayed to designate space for swimmers’ equipment and a sanitary station. 
  • The water safety component of the lesson will occur on land within the coned area. Swimmers will sit on their towel six feet apart from one another. 
  • Swimmers will be told before the lesson that spit, urination and blowing their nose in the water is prohibited.
  • Swimmers will lay their towels out a minimum of two meters apart and use the towel as their designated space for storage of their belongings and equipment. 
  

3) Admission and Access
  • All swimmers will be required to stop at the lesson check-in. Parents will be asked to not to accompany their child to lessons and will not be permitted within the facility. 
  • All participants will be required to use hand sanitizer on arrival. 
  • All measures will be taken to avoid crowds gathering or long waiting times via online registrations and payments.
  • All payments will be received via e-transfer in advance of the lessons. 
  • No physical receipts, or report cards will be produced. 
  • List of COVID-19 signs and symptoms will be included in the registration email. 
  • At the check-in station, the participants will be asked a health history questionnaire to assess their risk of having contracted COVID-19. Any participants suspected or confirmed to have contracted COVID-19 will be asked to stay home or seek medical attention. 
COVID Specific Protocols:
 
1) Equipment 
  • Each employee will have their own equipment needed for each shift (e.g. one rescue tube per lifeguard, gloves, masks, etc.).
  • All employees will be provided with the appropriate PPE for the work being performed.
  • Equipment will be cleaned and sanitized between users with hard surface disinfectants 
  • Sharing equipment will be avoided as much as possible; any shared equipment will be disinfected before re-use.
  • All swimmers will need to bring their own towels, swimwear, googles, etc. No sharing of personal items will be allowed, unless between immediate family members.
  • Personal items and clothing (backpacks, jackets, shoes, etc.) brought in by staff and swimmers should be kept to a minimum.

2) Staff Training 
  • Staff will be screened for symptoms and be unable to work upon presentation.
  • All staff will be trained in accordance to the Royal Lifesaving Society's recommendation for practicing during social distancing. 
  • Staff will not be in physical contact with each other or swimmers. In the event of a first aid emergency, lifeguards will follow RLS outlined protocols. Protective equipment, including gloves and marks, will be worn during any emergency dealings and the responder(s) and victim will be required to disinfect after the conclusion of the incident. Full documentation will be taken, including any contact made between victim and responder(s).
  • When possible, staff training and communications will be carried out through online platforms. 

3) Site Management & Communication of Physical Distancing Measures
  • Physical marks (traffic cones) will be displayed on the beach to designate space for swimmers’ equipment and a sanitary station. Markers will be taken down at the conclusion of each lesson block. 
  • Signs will be posted at the entrance to the designated area to inform families that: 
             a. Swimmers may not participate in lessons if they suspect they have symptoms of COVID-19
             b. A minimum of 2 meters must be maintained between other swimmers (with the exception of family members) and coaches. 
             c. Parents must vacate the area after dropping off their child to prevent congestion. 
  • A sanitation station will be available to swimmers and will consist of spray bottles with hand sanitizer/disinfectant, paper towel, and Lysol wipes. Disinfectants will be kept far away from the water and will be displayed on a raised table. 
  • Signage will be made to remind swimmers to avoid putting their unwashed hands to their eyes, nose or mouth. 
  • A lesson specific garbage will be brought with coaches to avoid the use of beach bins. Disposable gloves will be worn when handling sanitation equipment. 
  • Swimmers where possible, will be encouraged to change at and shower at home before and after swimming.
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