The 2018 season has now started and you might be wondering when you can go for a swim at your local town pool. Normally, there would be no need to wonder, as every town pool would be open year round. However, due to Covid restrictions, some pools have closed their doors. Others are scheduled to close at the end of this month. Luckily, there is still one pool in Amarillo, Texas that has chosen to remain open for business. This article is going to tell you about the rules and regulations regarding this particular pool, as well as explain when you can go for a swim there.
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Amarillo Town Club Pool
Amarillo Town Club Pool is one of the only places in the city that still has a normal schedule, with morning swim lessons starting at 8:30 am and evening swim sessions starting at 6:00 pm. It also offers tennis doubles on weekdays and all day long on weekends. The pool is 25 meters by 25 meters and there is a spacious deck surrounding it. During the day, there are often people walking their dogs, playing basketball, or just hanging out around the pool. It is a great place for families to spend time together.
Swimming Is Still Allowed
As we’ve mentioned above, swimming is still allowed at Amarillo Town Club Pool. However, there are restrictions. For example, you have to keep a distance of six feet from others, as well as wear a mask and gloves while swimming. Additionally, the pool is reserved for members and their guests. Anybody else who wants to use it has to make an appointment first with the lifeguard on duty. Also, towels are not provided, so be sure to bring your own. This last point is quite important, as you don’t want to end up in a compromising situation if you get wet. You should not feel bad about asking for towels either, as it’s considered polite to request some when you’re done with your swim. Finally, children under 12 are not allowed in the pool without adult supervision.
Familiarize Yourself With The Guidelines
The Covid 19 pandemic was a tough one to deal with, especially since there were no certainties regarding how long it would last. There were no guidelines to follow and a lot of people didn’t know what was expected of them. To avoid any misunderstandings, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the guidelines surrounding the pool. They are as follows:
- Only enter the pool if you feel that you can maintain a safe distance of six feet from other swimmers;
- Follow all quarantine procedures when entering or leaving the pool area;
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands regularly;
- Maintain a safe distance from other people when in the pool area;
- Check with the lifeguard before applying sunscreen;
- Be sure to wear goggles and a swim cap;
- Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor; and
- Be kinder to animals.
Maintain A Safe Distance
The above guidelines are very important, especially in places like swimming pools. It is not good etiquette to enter a public pool and swim close to other people, especially when there is no need to. People with certain medical conditions might also have more reasons to keep their distance from others. It’s also good practice to maintain a six-feet distance from others, even when there is no other swimmer in sight. This way, if you do break a sweat and start gasping for air, you will be closer to those with whom you share air. It’s also helpful to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to reduce the spread of germs. The last thing anyone wants is for somebody to bring the Covid-19 to the pool and into their community. With so much unknown regarding the pandemic, it is important to be smart and safe around water sources.
Use Your Common Sense
If you follow the rules mentioned above, then using your common sense should be easy. If you feel that you are in good health and have no underlying medical conditions, then you can go for a swim at Amarillo Town Club Pool. Of course, this last statement might not be true for everybody. If you feel that you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19, then it’s best to avoid going into the water altogether. Likewise, if you are visiting from a place with a high prevalence of the virus, then again, avoiding the water might be a wise decision. In these cases, the CDC recommends staying away from crowds and public spaces, as well as places where food is served. It’s also important to quarantine yourself if you’ve been in contact with somebody who tested positive for the virus. This way, you will be sure to maintain a safe distance from others and prevent further contamination. Most importantly, always remember the ‘hydration rule’. If you stay hydrated, it will be much easier to stay healthy during the hot summer months.
Hopefully, you will not have to find out the hard way about the risks that come with swimming in public pools. As the summer season is now upon us, it’s time to start thinking about going for a swim. Make sure to follow all the rules and guidelines given above, as well as use your common sense. It is always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your health and that of others. If you feel that you are exhibiting any symptoms of Covid-19, then it might be a good idea to stay away from the water altogether. This is especially important if you are traveling to a place with a high prevalence of the virus. Finally, make sure to wash your hands regularly, even when there is no visible water source nearby. The above guidelines should help you have a happy and safe summer swimtime.