Itching for a dip amid the recent hot weather? Singaporeans have been unable to do since 7 Apr, as swimming pools in Singapore, even including those in condos, have been shut together with all sports facilities since the ‘Circuit Breaker’ started.
Even though we’re in Phase 1 now, we still have to wait till Phase 2 for pools to open along with other sports facilities.
However, even when they open, your trip to the pool may not be same as it was before Covid-19 struck, as you may have to shower at home before and after your swim.
In a media release, the Singapore Swimming Association (SSA) said that it held a townhall session with 50 of its affiliates over Zoom on Monday (1 Jun).
During the session, the association shared that it had sent proposed guidelines on safe distancing for swimmers to national sports agency Sport Singapore (SportSG).
These guidelines were formulated ahead of the reopening of swimming pools in Singapore that is set to happen in Phase 2.
To minimise contact between unrelated swimmers who use the pool, the SSA guidelines will discourage the use of communal facilities, including changing rooms, reported The New Paper (TNP).
That means that swimmers will be urged to wear their swimming trunks or swimsuits under their clothes when they arrive at the pool, as well as when they leave.
It also means that swimmers should shower at home after they finish their swim.
No details were available on how swimmers will be able to prevent their normal clothes from being dampened by their wet swimming attire when they put them on after their swim.
To ensure safe distancing in pools, fewer people will be allowed to swim in pools.
SSA has suggested that every lane should have only one person swimming at any time, according to TNP.
While the chlorine in the water should be able to kill the virus so swimmers should be safe from transmission inside the pool, they should try to cut down on contact with others outside the pool.
For swim athletes bound for the Olympics, they have already had a taste of the new guidelines.
SportSG allowed Olympic or Paralympic athletes like Joseph Schooling, Quah Zheng Wen and Yip Pin Xiu to resume training on Tuesday (2 Jun), reported The Straits Times.
But their training has to take place under certain conditions. Similar to the SSA’s suggestions for public swimming pools, the athletes will have to arrive for training in their swimming attire.
They will also not be allowed to shower on the premises.
To minimise interaction, SSA even made sure athletes entered and exited the OCBC Aquatic Centre by a set route, reported ST.
As we patiently await Phase 2 for Singapore to return closer to normal, avid swimmers must be raring to return to the pool.
While the safe distancing measures will be inconvenient, they are necessary for safety, and we’re sure grateful swimmers will be willing to abide by the rules so they can bask in the cool waters again.
Featured image adapted from Facebook.
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