YWCA Pool Area COVID-19 Safety and Prevention Plan

Our Commitment

The YWCA Central Massachusetts is committed to ensuring that we maintain a healthy environment, while also making the fitness experience as comfortable and welcoming for our members as possible. As we reopen our Pool Area beginning on December 7, 2020, we have implemented the health and safety protocols below. Based on governmental guidance and best practice in the field, the YWCA will limit the number of members who can be in the Pool at any given time to 10 individuals. Our goal is to expand the capacity over time. Members are required to reserve their slot in the facility one day in advance by calling the Front Desk at 508-767-2505. In fulfilling our mission to eliminate racism and empower women, the YWCA is also committed to ensuring that these protocols are respectful and equitable across all races, ethnicities, religions, gender identities, and ages. If you have any questions or concerns about any of the protocols, please reach out directly to John Dwinell, Aquatics Coordinator at 508-767-2505 x3039 or Jdwinell@ywcacm.org.

We will reopen our Swimming Pool in a phased approach and will expand access and capacity as we can continue to guarantee the health and safety of our members and staff.

Facilities

As of December 7, 2020, the YWCA will open the Swimming Pool located at Salem Square facility. The Pool Area will be open from 6am-7pm Monday-Friday and 7am-2pm on Saturday and Sunday. Upon arrival, members will be required to have a mask on to enter the building and once inside the building, a member’s temperature will be taken. Members are encouraged to arrive dressed for their workouts in the pool. Please note that there will be one member or family at a time in the Family Changing Area. Space will be available on the pool deck for storage of small bags during your workout. Lockers are not available for use as per the governor’s regulation and masks are not required while swimming. More details for Pool are as follows:

• Members will only be able to sign up for one 45 minutes shift in the Pool per day.
• Please note that it is important that you arrive no earlier than 10 minutes prior to your scheduled swim time.
• Anyone with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher will be denied access to the YWCA.
• Swimmers will use the use the Family Changing Rooms to get into their swimsuit and shower before entering the pool. (We ask our members to take a minimal amount of time in the Family Changing Room because we have limited capacity.)
• After leaving the Family Changing Room, head to the pool deck for the lifeguard to assign you a lane to use while in the pool.
• Lap Swimming will be for 45 minutes.
• Water Exercise will be for 45 minutes.
• Private Swim Lessons will be for 25 minutes.
• Open Swim will be for 45 minutes.
• Staff will remind members when they have 5 minutes left in their allotted time period.
• Once the member’s time has ended, members are asked to respectfully exit the pool, gather their belongings and use the appropriate Locker Room to shower and changeup. Members must wear a mask at all times while in the Locker Room, except while in the shower.
• Once done, please make your way to the front desk where you can register for your next appointment.

Member Responsibility

• Members are asked to bring their own swim aides for Lap Swimming Sessions.
• Members are asked to socially distance, wear your mask, and adhere to the posted notices around the Pool and Family Changing Room Area.
• Members are also encouraged to bring their own water for their workout, as water fountains will be unavailable at this time.
• Failure to comply with these safety protocols or requests from staff may result in revocation of membership.
• The YWCA will provide hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray, and paper towels. The YWCA will post signs around the building reminding members of the safety protocols.
• The pool deck will be closed for 15 minutes for cleaning each hour during Lap Swim, Water Exercise and Open Swim.

Safety Protocols for STAFF

• All staff will have their temperatures taken at the beginning of each shift.
• Staff are required to wear masks at all times and wash their hands or apply hand sanitizer frequently.
• The YWCA will provide hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray, and paper towels. The YWCA will post signs around the building reminding members of the safety protocols.

We are asking for your help

We have missed you and we are eager to welcome our valued members back into the Pool. However, we know that the threat of COVID-19 is not over. As we navigate these new times, we will continuously update our protocols and do our best to accommodate the needs of all our members and staff. Please use your best judgement before arriving at our facility. If you are not feeling well, have a fever, cough, or other flu like symptoms, we ask that you stay home. Please follow our protocols. We understand that these are not ideal conditions for a workout, but we have an obligation to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff and all who use the YWCA facility. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us directly.

We are in this Together,