With the restrictions on swimming now lifted, there has been a gradual return to the pool. Even with the ongoing pandemic, hope for the implementation of a vaccine and a return to normalcy has inspired confidence in families to get their kids and swimmers back in the water. However, with winter approaching some extra pre-cautions must be taken to ensure we can continue to swim safely in this covid world. Here are your top tips for enjoying swimming lessons this pandemic winter.
Come ready to swim
Less time spent in common areas around the pool – namely bathrooms and changing rooms – reduces the risk of covid being transferred across common surfaces. Go the bathroom and change into your bath suit at home, and when you arrive at the pool, strip down and you’re ready to go! After your lesson, deck changes are recommended when possible, but if you require use of the bathroom / changing room, at least you will use them only once!
For beginners, parents must come ready to swim too
Currently in Quebec, swimming lessons may operate but only under strict non-contact guidelines. For older and more capable swimmers this is pretty straightforward: the instructor will maintain a safe distance throughout the lesson, using hands-off visual, verbal and mirroring techniques to instruct the swimmer. For non-swimmers and beginner swimmers who require physical support, parents will accompany their kids in the water and assist during the lesson. Thus, parents of young swimmers should communicate with their instructor prior to the first class, and come ready to swim as well.
Bring a hair dryer
For the same reasons listed above – avoiding common areas – it is highly encouraged to bring your own hair dryer and avoid going into the bathrooms to use one. Find an outlet in a quiet, non-wet area like the hallway or waiting areas and dry your hair there. For kids with short hair, thoroughly drying it with a towel and then putting on a warm hat can work too. For kids with long hair, another way to reduce your drying time is to wear a bathing cap, which should help keep hair dry during lessons.
One parent per swimmer
One of the main ways we can play our part in the fight against covid is to reduce our contacts. Now we understand kids learning to swim is a monumental achievement, and pre-pandemic many parents would come with the whole family or even invite grandparents or family friends to come watch swimmers achieve these incredible milestones. However, in order to keep our pools safe and comply with capacity requirements, families should plan to only have 1 parent per swimmer present during lessons.
Be mindful of other parents & guests
While the number of lessons taking place at a given time have been limited substantially, at most pools there may be more than 1 lesson and other pool users sharing the pool during your lesson. Deck space can often be narrow, requiring individuals to pass in close proximity of each other. While maintaining a 2m distance from others is a basic courtesy in a covid world, all pool users should be mindful and respectful of others when crossing paths. It is recommended that parents leave the pool area during their child’s lesson when possible, only returning to scoop them up after. Otherwise, choose seating in a quiet corner, and always keep your mask on.
Above all, have fun
Swimming is, and always will be, a thrilling activity for our kids. Few activities can replicate the feeling of flying or weightlessness. Learning to swim in a monumental achievement, and with most other sports and activities restricted, it is essential that kids love and enjoy their lessons. Instructors are playing their part by motivating, encouraging, and rewarding their swimmers more than ever before. Parents can do the same by cheering on their swimmers during lessons, taking a keep interest in their progress, and celebrating with them after a lesson well done.
Swim safely this winter everyone, and see you at the pool!
