Here are more details as promised. Special thanks to Head Coach Mike Reinke for putting this plan together. We are all very excited to get back in the pool. 

ENSURE ATHLETE SAFETY: 

Athletes are NOT permitted to return to the pool if…
               -They are showing any of the symptoms of COVID-19. This includes fever, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, chills, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, or any other symptoms listed by the CDC
               -Anyone in household has symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to anyone who has symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19
               -They are awaiting results of testing for COVID-19

Athletes who are sick or believe they might have COVID-19 should stay home until they can answer YES to the following questions:
               -Has it been at least 10 days since you first had symptoms?
               -Have you been without a fever for 3 days (72 hours) without any medicine?
               -Has it been 3 days (72 hours) since your symptoms have improved?

Athletes MUST come to practice:
               -10 minutes prior to start of practice for screening and stretching
               -Wearing a mask
               -Wearing their swimsuit, and having pre-applied sunscreen
               -Having used the bathroom
               -With personal equipment: goggles, cap, towel, water bottle, hand sanitizer, Dryland gear (sneakers, socks, shorts, t-shirt), personal kickboard, medical inhaler (if needed).
*Public Kickboards are available at the pool, but must be sterilized pre- and post- usage.

COST

$10 per day per swimmer. Since the situation is so fluid, we are going to do a pay as you go situation, so please bring exact change to the pool if you can. Checks will be accepted also. We prefer that parents pay by the day - that way if your plans change or swimmers have to be turned away, then we do not have to issue refunds. 

This is a brand new situation for all of us, and we are doing the best we can and we ask for your patience. This is NOT permenant and will change for the better. 
                             

ENTERING POOL AREA:

The Mamakating Pool is an outdoor, 4-Lane pool located in the back right corner of Mamakating Park. When entering the park grounds stay to the right. The pool is behind the main building and it is encouraged to park in that lot and have the athlete walk around to the entrance. The back lot is for coaches, lifeguards, and other pool staff. Parents are not allowed to gather in or around the pool area. There are trails, a pavilion, and equipment available for public use if desired. If doing so, please adhere to proper social distancing and other preventative health measures for everyone’s safety. 

There will be 2 coaches, a lifeguard, and other pool staff allowed on deck at practice. Each will be wearing masks when appropriate and following proper safety protocol at all times.

Upon arrival, athletes will be screened at the pool entrance with a temperature check and will be asked the questions above. Athletes with a 100.4 or higher temperature or answered “YES” to any questions will not be allowed to practice. After entering, athletes will set down personal items not needed for practice in a designated space.

PRACTICE ROUTINE:

• Athletes will stretch while wearing masks or maintaining a 6’ distance as their teammates are arriving/screened.
• During stretching, coaches will go over practice, answering questions and providing guidance as to what is expected of each set.
• Athletes enter the pool in their assigned lanes with slide-in entries from the deep end. NO JUMPING/DIVING.
• Athletes will exit their lanes under the shallow-end rope and exit the pool from the stairs.
• Swimmers will be assigned daily to each lane to maintain proper distancing in the water.
• Bathrooms are available for emergency-use only, but locker rooms are closed.

DEPARTING POOL AREA:

At the end of practice, athletes will dry off in designated area and retrieve personal items. Changing will not be permitted. NO DECK CHANGES! Athletes need to plan to arrive and depart in their swimsuits.

Athletes will be dismissed 1 at a time to maintain social distancing. Athletes will walk to the parking lot to wait for their ride, maintaining proper social distancing. Athletes are expected to be picked up immediately following their practice time.

QUESTIONS:

Can my child participate if they are late to practice?
There is a 5-minute leeway at the beginning of practice, but once lanes are assigned and training begins it is difficult to readjust workouts. If you are running late please text the coach or a teammate known to be at practice so your athlete is accounted for.

Does my child have to wear a mask?
Yes. When swimmers are out of the water and unable to maintain social distancing, they are expected to wear their facemasks. This includes stretching, dryland training, and arrival/departure of practice.

When will practice be cancelled for weather?
Practicing outdoors provides us with new opportunities, but also exposes us to the elements. Practice can be held in rain as long as the bottom of the pool is visible. If there is thunder/lightning, practice must be postponed for 30 minutes after the last thunder strike is heard. If the forecast calls for inclement weather, families will be notified the status of practice via text or email.

We just returned from vacation, can my child return to practice?
We leave it to your discretion if it is appropriate for your child to come to practice. However if you have visited to or been exposed to someone from known COVID-19 hotspots, we ask you and your family to get tested prior to returning to practice.

PHASED APPROACH

All planned phases must adhere to facility, local, state, and federal public health requirements. Mandated capacity limits must be followed at all times. We will follow our Phased approach and after 2 weeks it will be decided if it is appropriate to move up a phase. If it is necessary to regress a phase, we will do that immediately.

Phase 1 July 6^th through 10th

Senior and Silver Groups age 12 and up ONLY
-Mandated capacity limits 5 swimmers to each lane available. 20 swimmers max.

Phase 2 DATES: TBD

Senior, Silver, and Bronze Groups of all ages
-Mandated capacity limits 6 swimmers to each lane available. Dryland practice begins. 24 swimmers allowed in the water at a time.

Phase 3 DATES: TBD

Senior, Silver, Bronze, and Minnow Groups
Mandated capacity limits 7 swimmers to each lane available. Dryland practice expands. 28 swimmers allowed in the water at a time.

Phase 4: DATES TBD

Return to Indoor Training/Open Registration for the 2020-2021 Season
Expected after Summer Session ends and we are allowed to return to the Pine Bush School Pools. Tryouts open for new athletes and returning athlete’s placement.

Phase 5: DATES TBD

 Begin Competition Training
Mandated capacity limits TBD. Practices can resume full intensity. Intra-squad meets can be held following appropriate standards and protocol.

Phase 6: DATES TBD

Meet Participation
Mandated capacity limits TBD. Meet hosting, attendance, and participation must be in accord with USA Swimming, Metropolitan Swimming, Empire State Swimming, and always follow local municipality guidelines.

Pine Bush Aquatic Club is excited to Return to Swim, but are adamant about the safety of their athletes, staff, and families. Patience and understanding is implored through this process, as we are all learning and reacting to a very fluid situation. Please review this plan with your athletes before they begin practicing. Thank you for your continued support, and see you at the pool!