March 24, 2020
Dear Gator Families,
We hope everyone is staying safe and keeping healthy. JJ is busy keeping the pool chemicals balanced taking care of the pool and himself. Our Assistant coaches did a fantastic job cleaning the pool and helping with various tasks, and have now returned home. We have a few important updates for all of you, so please read this email through carefully.
PRACTICES
First, due to Governor Northam's directive to close all schools through the end of the academic year and all recreational businesses through the end of April, all Gator practices and activities, including Summer Prep, are cancelled through the end of the 9-month season, which ends May 22nd. We are aware this includes the Gator Banquet. With things changing on an almost hourly basis, we are unable to predict what will happen by the end of April and therefore have yet to make any decisions on this front. We will provide updates as we have them.
FEES
Second, Gator families on a monthly payment plan will not be billed for April or May. Going forward, we will not bill any monthly payment until we are swimming again. Meets through Senior Champs and all unpaid fees, to include volunteer hours for the second quarter, will be billed on April 1. As with most small businesses, our organization will be hit hard by this reduced cash flow. We are looking in to an emergency small business loan and any possibly grants for which we might qualify. If any of our members have experience in this area and are willing, please reach out to cvillegators@gmail.com. Further, any Gator member on a monthly plan who wishes to donate their monthly dues to the Gator operating fund may contact Cathy O'Hara at cvillegators@gmail.com to request that their fees continue to be billed. Those who donate in such a way will receive credit in the amount of dues paid towards the 2020-2021 season.
THE BUBBLE
Third, for now we plan to keep the bubble up through the end of April to protect the pool from pollen and leaf debris help maintain chemical balance. JJ has reduced both the water and air temperatures to save on utilities. We are developing a plan to take the bubble down with limited manpower and cost. Again, if anyone has any ideas please reach out to cvillegtors@gmail.com.
KEEPING IN TOUCH
We will work hard to keep you informed and hope you keep in touch with us as well. Please visit our Facebook page and post what you are doing to stay fit and healthy, check out JJ?s thoughts for the day on Twitter, follow @vagatorstrenth on Instagram for daily dryland workouts, and look for email updates from JJ and the Board!
We are grateful for your support and perseverance!
JJ and the Gator Board
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March 15, 2020
Dear Gator Families,
The Gator Board and management have been tracking developments in the COVID-19 virus and discussing options for the team in light of this pandemic. We have considered advice from the CDC and state and local officials, school districts, and USA Swimming. We have reached the very difficult decision that all Gator practices will be put on hold immediately and continue for at least the next two weeks, in line with the local school closures.
We understand that this decision will be upsetting and challenging for your swimmer and family, but we feel obligated to protect our members and coaches and also contribute to the social distancing required to slow the spread of the virus in our community and especially within the Gator family.
While we are on this physical hiatus from the pool, we will not be taking a break from working to continually improve the Gator program. We will clean and disinfect our facility, continue to maintain a clean and chemically balanced pool, and work on physical projects that will benefit our members. Our coaches will work hard to continue to educate themselves and your swimmer on how to improve their fitness and flexibility out of the water and grow their understanding of the sport. The Gator Board will make regular reports to our members on these projects and on our estimates of when we can safely return to our beloved Bubble. Our plan, if we are able to return prior to April 6th, is that we will not take our scheduled Spring Break, but will hold normal practices during that time.
We will miss seeing all of our members around the pool each day and encourage all Gators to use this time to find ways to improve your lives and the lives of those in your community. We hope you will be safe and healthy until we see you again.
Please feel free to reach out often with updates and questions and contact JJ personally if you have specific training questions relating to your swimmer.
Sincerely,
The Gator Board of Directors
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According to the CDC there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19. See the press release here.
For the latest information with regards to COVID-19, please use the following resources:
In addition, USA Swimming has offered guidance. See the most current information with regards to swimming here.
