Is Swimming Safe During COVID-19?
In the midst of the pandemic, keeping up with the activities that are considered safe can give you whiplash. The good news is, swimming is on the “nice” list — which means you can still soak up the stress-relieving benefits without worry.
According to the experts at the CDC, there’s zero evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of recreational waters. The CDC also strongly recommends regular exercise to stay healthy during these stressful times. As far as your safe options for physical activity, it doesn’t get much better than swimming, which offers a low-impact cardio workout and an unrivaled release from tension and anxiety.
To further ease your mind, we consulted CA’s aquatics experts on the intensive new measures in place to protect our swimmers and create the safest environment possible.
New Safety Guidelines
Our mask policy is pretty straightforward: Masks are not required in the pool, but must be worn whenever you’re out of the water. You may notice that our swim instructors are wearing masks for your added protection (these are special masks that can get wet, unlike cloth masks which can make it hard to breathe).
Like we mentioned, the water itself is safe; this is because the disinfectants used to clean the pools, including chlorine and bromine, should kill the virus that causes COVID-19. Viruses don’t survive well on their own on the water (unlike bacteria), because they need a host to survive.
The real risk factor when it comes to water is its potential to attract crowds, since close contact in high-density groups is to be avoided in this age of COVID-19. That’s why we’ve taken measures to help accommodate limited capacity and make social distancing a breeze. All lap lanes now must be reserved in advance, which allows us to provide you the best experience possible while still following our state and local guidelines.
Each time slot is 55 minutes, and to keep the schedule running smoothly, we kindly ask that you stay on track with your scheduled time.
We’re also using the reservation system to keep our group fitness classes safe (you can check out our class schedule here). Our class size is also now capped at nine participants. While our locker rooms are now open, we encourage people not to use them as much as possible.
The indoor pool at Supreme Sports Club, which is ideal for physical distancing.
Ready to Make a Splash?
Below is a cheat sheet to help you navigate our new reservation system with ease. If you have any questions, you can also contact the Aquatics Office at (410) 312-6332.
Making a lap lane reservation online:
- Click on Member Login (top right corner on the CA website)
- If you do not have an online account yet, scroll down until you see
“Do not have a login?” Follow the prompts and put in your information. If a password reset is needed click on “Forgot Password?” A new temporary password will be sent to your email on file with CA. - Once you have established an online account continue with the steps below
- Click on Bookings
- Change site by clicking on change, then drop down menu, then desired facility
- Aquatics Lap Swim
- Main Pool 25 min, Main Pool 55 min, or Program Pool 55 Min Lane reservation
- Continue
- Click on Select all>Search
- Click on List view to see all available (calendar view doesn’t show all on one page)
- Scroll down to see availability
- Click on an available time (it will show booking details next)
- Continue
- Check box of swimmer (it may also make you check the box “Host”)
- Continue to cart
- You should now see a “Thank you”
NOTE: You may only book up to seven days ahead of time.
Making a recreational swim reservation online:
- Click on Member Login (top right corner on the CA website)
- If you do not have an online account yet, scroll down until you see “Do not have a login?” Follow the prompts and put in your information. If a password reset is needed click on “Forgot Password?” A new temporary password will be sent to your email on file with CA.
- Once you have established an online account continue with the steps below.
- Click on Classes
- Change site by clicking on change, then drop down menu, then desired facility
- Category=Aquatics/Rec Swim and Class=Recreational Swim Reservation
- Pick date>Search
- Scroll down to find an available time
- Enroll
- Check box(es) of Swimmer(s)
- Register
*for CG it is called Beach/Cove Recreational
Changing your OLS (OnlineServices) username:
- Click on Member Login (top right corner on the CA website)
- Sign into your account
- Click on My Account
- Click on Change Password
- Follow the instructions
- Change the password
Using the CA app:
- Install Columbia Association app from app store
- Put in credentials
- You should be at the home screen/standing reservations
- Click on Bookings for Lap Lane Reservations or click on Classes for Recreational Swim
- Location defaults to Customer and Member Services
- Change this to your desired location i.e. Columbia Swim Center, Columbia Gym, Athletic Club
- Pick the date/time
- Next
- Aquatics Lap Swim
- 25 or 55 minutes
- Either “All” lanes or a specific lane
- Select
- Search
- Pick an available schedule
- Book
- Wait for confirmation
