In some parts of the world, swimming pools, gyms, restaurants and offices have begun to reopen. After months of being confined to our homes and staying indoors, many of you will have started to venture out and try to resume life as per normal. It hasn’t been an easy ride and the impact of this global pandemic has been heavy on us all. Let us not yet lose hope however, as things are slowly but surely, starting to return to normal.
Summer has always been about being on the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying those chilled cocktails by the pool. Things are a lot different this summer and we’ll be taking extra care and caution each time we step out. Especially, if it involves our families and children and outdoor activities. It’s hot, it’s summer and by now, the children too are fed up and want to let loose; preferably by the beach or a pool. We’ve rounded up some ways in which you can practice safety with caution at a public pool.
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Practice social distancing
Whether you’re spending time in the pool or on the pool deck, ensure you continue to practice social distancing. Public pools have most likely been set up with deck chairs 6 feet apart so ensure you and your family are adhering to the distancing measures put in place. Do not mix with other groups of people who may be at the pool. Your children may see other children or their friends and get overexcited, but this is a high risk activity so ensure you put some rules in place beforehand. A public pool isn’t the safest place to maintain a distance so tread with extra caution.
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If you aren’t in the water, wear a mask
This should not even be a question. Just wear the mask! As soon as you step out of the pool, ensure you and the family get those masks out and on. This is especially important if you’re going to be walking up to restrooms or common food serving areas. The only time your mask should come off is when you’re in the pool.
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Take your own food
You could make a whole day out of it and prepare a packed lunch before heading to the pool if possible. If that isn’t an option, then ensure that the pool restaurant or bar is following all standard SOP’s and safety regulations. Make sure there is six feet distance between all patrons and maybe only send one member of the family to get the food. Some pools that are opening, are also forgoing opening the snack bar as it is an added layer of risk. If you’re concerned then you should take your own food and snacks. That way you’ll know where the food has come from and who’s touched them.
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Avoid the pool toys and floaties
There may not be evidence to suggest whether the virus stays on surfaces, but it is better to be safe rather than sorry. Research is still ongoing into whether covid-19 can thrive in water, but there are some viruses that live on the skin, which can more readily transmit through water. While you won’t be wearing a mask in the water, you should avoid pool toys. If you decide to bring your own then you should ensure that they do not go beyond the use of you and your family alone. The risk of transmission increases when people are talking loudly, singing or screaming and with pool toys and kids coming together, it could be a recipe for disaster.
