Disclaimer:
Atlantis Artistic Swimming Club considers the safety of its members to be the highest priority, and all policies captured herein, as well as future policies and actions, will be guided by the desire to return to sport safely. Atlantis Coaches and staff are not health or communicable disease experts, and so will refer to, and rely on, guidance and direction from the Nova Scotia Health Authority, the Nova Scotia Government, Canada Artistic Swimming, and Nova Scotia Artistic Swimming, regarding Atlantis’ return to sport.
Are swimming pools safe?
COVID-19 has a fragile lipid outer membrane, and is therefore highly susceptible to soaps and oxidants, such as chlorine3. According to the Centre for Disease Control (USA), there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools, hot tubs or spas. Proper operation maintenance, disinfection with chlorine or bromine of pools should inactivate the virus (CDC 2020)
As new information and research becomes available, the general knowledge about pool safety will continue to increase and will influence decisions made by facility management. General pool safety is among the ongoing challenges for all partners to manage, and for the Canadian aquatic community, a safe and responsible return to the pool is critical.
CDC4 : Water and COVID-19 Facts
Myrtha Pools: COVID-19 Swimming Pool Study; Professor Vincenzo Romano Spica, (Professor of Hygiene at the University of Rome “Foro Italico”)
When should I stay home?
It is the responsibility of all participants to undertake their own personal risk assessment and determine whether they are willing and able to return to sport at this time.
Individuals who are at an elevated risk for COVID-19 infection, or those who live with someone who is high risk, should take any necessary further precautions to protect themselves. All club members should work together to support and implement these further measures to ensure an inclusive and safe environment for all.
Individuals should not attend an in-person artistic swimming program or activity if, in the last 14 days, the individual, or anyone in their household has:
How do I report a COVID-19 related absence?
The health and safety of all members is top priority at Atlantis. In order to provide a safe environment with COVID-19, all members need to be completing daily “self” health checks before attending training sessions. The daily “self” health checks will be completed through the Team Snap platform. The health check option will only be accessible to complete 8 hours before the start of the scheduled practice. Members are expected to report accurate and honest information. Athletes and coaches will not have access to the facility if their daily health check is not completed.
Report any COVID-19 absences directly to the Atlantis Head Coach.
The Head Coach will inform team coaches of the absent swimmer, fill out necessary paperwork, and follow-up with return to sport protocols. The Head Coach will also work with individuals to arrange at-home online training when possible. Athletes can rest assured that they will not be penalized for following COVID-19 guidelines and staying home when necessary.
What if an athlete develops COVID-19 symptoms during a training session?
If an athlete develops COVID-19 symptoms during a training session the following steps must be taken:
What is the training protocol for a positive test?
If any coach or athlete tests positive for COVID-19, the following steps must be taken:
What will a "normal" practice look like?
What equipment will be needed for practice?
Athletes are not permitted to share any training equipment without proper sanitation between uses. Athletes must have their equipment clearly labelled to avoid accidental sharing. Athletes need to have the following equipment with them at every training session:
It is recommended that all equipment be cleaned thoroughly after each training session. This can be done with a disinfecting spray or wipe. Bathing suit, towel, and workout clothing should be put into the washing machine after each practice.
How will social distancing impact artistic swimming?
Nova Scotia Artistic Swimming (NSAS) has developed a 3-phase system to guide clubs through social distancing measures while being able to adhere to the constantly changing Public Health protocols.
Phase A
Nova Scotia Public Health recommends that social distancing must be maintained with anybody who does not live in the same household.
Phase B
Nova Scotia Public Health allows groups of up to ten to gather without physical distancing.
Phase C
Nova Scotia Public Health increases the number of people allowed to gather without physical distancing. Or eliminates social distancing recommendations altogether.
What happens if the season is interrupted or shortened due to COVID-19?
Season Interruptions are events that cause temporary stoppage in a season but do not end it completely. In the event that COVID-19 causes temporary interruptions in the course of a season, and depending on the scope and duration of these interruptions, the club will take necessary actions (modified programs, adjusted schedules, etc.) but will otherwise attempt to maintain status quo.
Season Cancellations are events that cause a season to end prematurely (as was the case in the spring of 2020).
Who do I contact with questions or concerns?
Each club is required to have a designated COVID-19 Response Coordinator. At Atlantis this role will be shared between the Head Coach and the Club Chair. The key responsibilities for the COVID-19 response team are:
Please contact the Club Chair or Head Coach directly with any questions.