Gov. Andy Beshear gave the go-ahead to reopen pools on June 29, and both public pools and private swim clubs across Owensboro said they are planning to open as soon as possible, following all the necessary CDC guidelines in doing so.
Owensboro Country Club opened its pool to members on Monday at limited capacity, operating as an aquatics facility and requiring members to schedule appointments in order to use the pool. Both adults and children have been able to use single lanes for swimming and exercise.
Pool Manager Nancy Neal said OCC will fully reopen to the public on June 29 and will follow social distancing guidelines for capacity regarding the pool, the deck and the snack bar.
“Every pool will probably be different, but it’s a pretty large number for us,” Neal said of OCC’s available capacity. “We will have social distancing in place for the snack bar, just like grocery stores. We’ll have that marked.”
Hand sanitizing stations will also be available in the pool area, Neal said. Chairs not in use on the deck will be removed between groups or families, and lifeguards will sanitize the pool area as needed throughout the day.
Combest Pool and Atlantis Swim Club are both planning on opening on June 29 as well.
Atlantis Swim Club said they will only be reopening to season pass holders in the beginning because of capacity restrictions. The private swim club is currently hiring.
While each organization said they are more than ready to open back up, some issues remain. OCC and the City of Owensboro are facing similar struggles in having enough lifeguards to get through the summer.
Lifeguard certifications only last two years, and nobody was able to be certified for this summer due to COVID-19 social distancing regulations. Though much of the lifeguard training can be obtained online, it also requires a swimming component that pertains to swim rescue. Lifeguards in training cannot perform the rescue portion of the test without partnering up with another individual.
“It is tough because you can’t get certified anywhere,” said Jennifer Hodges, assistant recreation facilities manager for Owensboro Parks and Rec. “You can’t do it and stay six feet apart.”
Hodges said she currently has four lifeguards and two pool managers who are lifeguard-certified to work this summer.
Both pools at the Owensboro Health Healthpark are open at limited capacity to members. Beginning July 1, the Healthpark will reopen their therapy and competition pools to 10-person maximums, as well as group exercise water classes.
The Healthpark will be limiting visits to 90 minutes in order to accommodate as many members as possible during their available operating hours.
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