Swimming: GSA issues guidelines for reopening of pools

The Ghana Swimming Association (GSA) has announced the guidelines swimming pool operators must adhere to avoid the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

This follows the clearance given by the National Sports Authority (NSA) to non-contact sports to resume training on June 3.

Guidelines to swimming pool operators
A press release signed by the General Secretary of the GSA, Mr Muniru Kassim, outlined 13 guidelines for all swimming pool operators to comply with before, during and after training sessions of athletes, coaches and patrons.

The release stated that operators of all swimming pools must, eliminate the use of ventilated spaces and rooms that do not allow for social distancing, increase water-sanitising level, create visible markers on the floor to indicate appropriate spacing for pool deck, screen athletes, coaches and patrons as they come in to practice or swim. Such operators must record the names of the athletes and coaches and their details if they fell ill in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic symptoms."
 
Other measures
“Ensure that athletes, coaches and patrons who cough or sneeze for any reason must be moved away until the coughing or sneezing dissipates, discourage the use of changing rooms and ensure social distancing within the facilities at all times.

"Enable adequate spacing in the pool during session, ensure adequate cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces in the training facility, ensure that Veronica buckets, water, soap and tissues are placed at the entry points of the facilities," it added.

The GSA also entreated swimming pool operators to paste the guidelines at the entrances of their facilities as it was culled from the FINA-affiliated countries to ensure swimmers practice in a safe environment.