Don’t Panic! But know we are focused on your safety in these uncertain times!
As you know, Coronavirus (Covid-19) is certainly present in the UK and has been declared a pandemic by the WHO (World Health Organisation). Our first priority is the safety of our swimmers, their families, friends and the wider community and we want to help reduce the spread of the virus as much as we can. To this end this email has been sent to the whole of Swindon Dolphin ASC (with permission from the Chair) as we feel it is important to you and your quest to remain healthy.
We are keeping an eye on all relevant advice and documentation that is being released by Swim England regarding swimming training, competitions and facilities. The latest advice from Swim England can be found at
We are also following the advice from PWTAG (Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group) at https://www.pwtag.org/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-latest-information-2
At this moment in time Swim England have not cancelled any regional or national swim meets, and I understand this will top of many swimmers and parents “swim’ concerns. We will of course update you as soon as we hear anything about these swim meets.
Swimming Pool and Public Place Closures around the world:
Whilst here in the UK, no measures are in place to force the closures of swimming pools and other public places, it would be remiss to not conceive it as a small future possibility based on what is happening in others parts of the world. We are obviously hopeful that this won’t be the case but things are moving fast in order to contain the spread of the virus. The club are currently in conversation with GLL / Better who run the pools we use for our sessions and we have asked them to provide any statements they have from their head office now and in the future. At the moment all Better centres are following government advice and they are cleaning and disinfecting handles, doors etc more frequently.
I will keep you all posted on updates from all parties as we get them and will be keeping a very close eye on any interventions that may or may not occur in the near future.
So for us (and as of March 12th 13:30) it is “business as usual”, but of course we and the pool providers hold everyone’s safety as our utmost priority. If we can take a few moments of your time to detail what we can all do to help each other in this regard.
So, what can we all do to help?
We respectfully ask that:
- If you suspect you have Covid-19 or have been in close contact with a person with confirmed Covid-19 please contact the relevant authorities and follow the directions provided by them.
- Please don’t come to your session if you or your swimmer feel unwell.
- Please don’t come to the session until you, or your swimmer, know you are clear of the virus (if you contracted it). Please contact the club if this is the case.
- We do have a community of swimmers and coaches over the age of 60 in the club. Please do your best to look out for those who are considered more “at risk” during this period, including other specific population groups.
- Please shower before getting into the pool and avoid close contact with other swimmers in the changing rooms and other dryside areas.
- If performing dryside work please ensure you wash your hands after the session (additional advice may be given by your coach for dryside or land work)
- The good news is that it is reported that COVID-19 cannot be spread in chlorinated water, so ensuring you are taking measures outside of the water will help contain any spread of the virus.
How to protect yourself:
As there is currently no vaccine for Covid-19 we encourage, where possible, reinforcing the WHO general recommendations to prevent the potential spread of infection:
- Regular handwashing with soap (for at least 20 seconds) or alcohol-based solution
- Covering coughing or sneezing with a tissue or elbow (not your hand)
- Avoiding touching of eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- Limiting contact with people who are sick, and staying home if you are sick and encouraging employees to stay home when sick.
The WHO basic protective measures against the new coronavirus can be accessed here:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
Thanks for your assistance in ensuring the wellbeing, safety and health of everyone in the club! We will keep you all updated on any changes with respect to the Pool facilities policies, competition and championship updates and other relevant information as we are told about them.
And remember, always look on the bright side of life!
