Planning for Program Safety!

As pools are beginning to reopen in the Upstate NY area, Excel Aquatics has been planning the relaunch of our swim programs in the Capital District! While we do not yet have on site start dates set, we do have some information regarding the steps we will be taking in order to create a safe environment for both our families and staff.

1. Use of PPE: All staff will be equipped with the appropriate PPE for their position within our program. All deck staff will wear face masks, while in water instructors will utilize face shields while teaching. Excel staff will assist with the additional cleanliness protocol required at each pool, as well as provide disinfectant and sanitizer for staff and families before/during/after our classes/practices.

2. Class/Program Sizes: At the start of our relaunch, we will be offering a limited schedule to avoid the potential of overcrowding, both in and out of the water. With that said, for our learn to swim program, we have decided to officially make our maximum group class sizes 3 students to 1 instructor. Not only have we always felt strongly that this ratio provides much better instruction than a 4 students per instructor, but during reopening efforts, classes sizes maxed at 3 swimmers will help limit the number of participants in the pool and support social distancing efforts.
3. Come In Ready To Swim: We will be asking all families to come to our programs (children and adults), already in their bathing suits to help limit use of the locker rooms.
   
   
4. Staggered Class/Practice Times: We will be creating new class/practice schedules that will create a staggered setup, helping to limit the number of bodies in the locker rooms at any given time.
   
   
5. Limited Viewers: For learn to swim/pre-competitive, We will be asking that only 1 parent/guardian shall bring the participating swimmer(s) to help promote spacing and social distancing. For triathlon swim practice, only swimmers and staff will be allowed in the facilities.

While our protocol and safety measures will continue to change based on recommendations from state and health experts, our commitment to excellence in and out of the water will not. From all of us at Excel, we look forward to seeing our families again soon!