COVID-19 Updates
The health and safety of our students, staff, and community will always be the priority for us at the La Quinta Aquatics Program.
However, keeping in mind the mental and physical health of our students as well as the many benefits of exercise and sports for developing students, we believe that we will be able to provide a safe return to athletics with adherence to recommendations from the CDC, CDPH, OCHCA, NFHS, CIF, and the GGUSD.
Summary of Practice Guidelines
All Athletes and Coaches are to maintain at least 6 ft of distance from one another at all times before, during, and after practice. No items or equipment will be shared.
Before Practice
A Pre Workout Screening will be conducted at home before the start of each practice.
All athletes are to come already changed in their swimsuit or workout clothing.
Arrive through the parking lot by the tennis courts.
Face coverings are to be worn before and after practices.
During Practice
Workouts will focus on individual conditioning and skills.
Athletes will not come within 6 ft of each other at any time.
There will be no sharing of water bottles, balls, team or personal equipment.
After Practice
Dry off and exit the pool deck one at a time.
Showers and locker rooms will remain closed.
Athletes should immediately shower and wash their workout clothing and equipment upon returning home.
Questions and Answers
Q: Can COVID-19 spread through the pool?
A: Studies from the CDC have so far shown no evidence that COVID-19 can spread through a properly maintained and chlorinated pool. The chlorine normally used to clean pools is also a main ingredient in many disinfectants and cleaning agents. There is however still a risk of transmission from person to person in the pool. This is why it is important for our athletes to remain more than 6 ft apart at all times before, during, and after practice, including distancing themselves in different swimming lanes.
Q: Can I catch COVID-19 from the pool deck?
A: The CDC has recently relayed that COVID-19 does not easily spread through contact with surfaces. The main method of transmission at this time is thought to be respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, breathing, and talking. It is also safer in outdoor areas such as the pool deck where there is a larger area of dispersal as well UV sunlight which may help in deactivating the virus. However in being as careful as possible, each athlete will have specially designated locations, and surfaces will be disinfected between each practice.
Q: I'm still afraid to return to practice.
A: That's OK. There are no mandatory practices at this time. If you or your family is uncomfortable with practice, it is completely understandable to not practice with the team at this time. We are however trying to take every possible measure to hold practices that are safe for everyone, and just want to provide an oppurtunity for our students.
Q: Should I come to practice if I feel sick?
Out of the safety for all our members, please refrain from coming to practice if you feel sick or check many boxes from the prescreening list. Practices are not mandatory at this time and we value everyone's health and well being more than anything else. If you have several coronavirus symptoms, please check with your doctor as soon as possible.
Q: When will practices return to "normal"?
A: Only when it is safe to do so. There is no date or timeline for that yet.
All athletes and parents are encouraged to call Coach John with any questions or concerns.
Additional Resources
GGUSD Athletics Repoening Parent-Guardian Notification Letter Revised 6.24.2020.pdfGGUSD Return to Athletics Guidelines August 2020.pdfCIF Guidelines for Return to Physical Activity, Training - June 10, 2020.pdf