June 2020 BellyFlop Newsletter

June 11th, 2020

Program Updates

Below outlines updates for each of our programs. Thank you again to everyone for your patience and support during this time! Please note that information sent out is subject to change based requirements set forth by NYS and the CDC.

Backyard Swim Lessons Update!

Our at home lesson are officially underway! With new safety procedures implemented, our instructors have begun scheduling appointments. For more information, you may visit our website by clicking the link below.

Learn More!

New Program: Competitive Backyard Coaching
While we are tentatively looking towards the Fall for our on site private competitive programs, we are excited to announce that our coaches now have a system for working with competitive swimmers/triathletes in backyard pools. If you have access to a backyard pool and would like to schedule private coaching, please email us at info@goswimexcel.com for more details, or click the link below. Slots are limited and shall be filled on a first come, first serve basis.

More Information

On Site Programming Update

Based on the structure of Excel Aquatics’ on site swimming lessons/practices, there will be three primary steps involved with resuming any of our programs at a rented facility:

1. The allowance of commercial pools/recreation centers via NYS Phase 4 to resume operations

2. The reopening of each individual pool/facility

3. Having the proper safety protocol in place based on the most up to date information provided by NYS, the CDC and USA Swimming

Although we do not have exact dates for recommencement, we have created a safety plan template and will be making the following changes to our programs to help facilitate the reopening timeline when the time comes:

1. 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/Practice Times:

Times will be staggered in different increments (TBD based on each pool) to limit the contact of staff and families entering/exiting the facility. Each pool will resume lessons and practices at very limited quantities, and scale based on recommendations from NYS and the CDC. Spring families will have priority with registrations.

3. Class/Practice Sizes:

Learn to Swim: At this time we plan to resume with just private/semi-private swim lessons, and offer group classes once deemed safe by CDC recommendations. While we have always informally had our group classes offered on a 3:1 basis (as opposed to 4:1 as advertised), we will officially be making our group class sizes a maximum of 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.

Triathlon/Pre-competitive: Lane space will be limited based on CDC/USA Swimming recommendations. At this time the protocol is 2 swimmers per lane with opposite end starting to maintain proper social distancing. We will follow the most up to date protocol once we resume practices.

Once we have start dates for each pool, we will provide updates communicate the official protocol that we will be using. Thank you again to everyone for your support during these uncertain times, and we look forward to teaching and coaching again very soon!

Summer Water Safety
Summer is here, and with that comes lots of swimming and fun in the sun! Anytime water is involved, it is important to be aware of basic water safety tips to keep both yourself, and those around you safe. Here are 5 tips that Excel Aquatics recommends all swimmers and family members (from beginner to competitive) follow…