2020 NCASC COVID-19 FAQ
The Governor indicated outdoor pools can now open. What does that mean for NCASC?
The State issued a Directive and Order Regarding Swimming Pools on May 27th indicating outdoor pools can begin operation as of June 1, 2020. While pools are permitted to open, they may not do so until they have complied with all stated guidelines and have received approval from their local Department of Health. The current phase of the Governor’s Roadmap to Recovery includes a capacity restriction based on the pool’s square footage. For NCASC, the
surface area of our pool is 2,250 sq ft. There is conflicting guidance regarding the exact calculation, but we anticipate we will be permitted to have between 40-62 people inside the gates. Anchor Aquatics is awaiting confirmation so we can plan accordingly. The good news is that we expect the capacity to increase throughout the summer as the Governor moves to subsequent phases of his plan.
surface area of our pool is 2,250 sq ft. There is conflicting guidance regarding the exact calculation, but we anticipate we will be permitted to have between 40-62 people inside the gates. Anchor Aquatics is awaiting confirmation so we can plan accordingly. The good news is that we expect the capacity to increase throughout the summer as the Governor moves to subsequent phases of his plan.
So, when will NCASC open?
We want the pool to open as much as everyone else does! We are currently on track to open by June 15th, but the exact date is dependent on when we receive our permit from the Anne Arundel County Department of Health (DOH). The DOH will begin inspections as of June 5th, however there is only one (1) pool inspector currently on staff and we have no input regarding our inspection date. In the meantime, the Board is working closely with Anchor to implement all other State and County guidelines to ensure we can open the pool safely. This includes obtaining proper signage, PPE, and sanitation materials as well as creating an operating plan for managing capacity and social distancing. There are still factors outside of our control that
may impact the exact opening date and we will keep you informed as we receive new information.
may impact the exact opening date and we will keep you informed as we receive new information.
Will we be able to use the pool like always when we open?
Due to the capacity restrictions and social distancing requirements, we are working to create a plan that will allow families to enjoy the pool as much as possible in a safe and fair manner. With no comparable historical precedent, we are looking at our neighboring pools, scouring the internet, and talking with Anchor to determine the best plan. Different ideas include implementing time blocks, assigning time slots to different member groupings (by alphabet/address), allowing first come first served visits, etc. Although we do not have a solid answer yet, we will plan to provide specific details over the next two weeks. The plan we implement and communicate will include new rules to ensure NCASC and Anchor are abiding by all state and local guidelines. If certain guidelines are not followed, Anchor may have to cease operations until proper measures are put into place. All rules will be continuously reviewed as the summer progresses and guidance from the CDC, County, and State evolves. We understand that the new rules will be an adjustment for everyone, but we appreciate your assistance and understanding in these unprecedented times.
What about the baby pool?
Based on the Directive and Order issued by the state, baby pools will not be open in this initial phase. Rest assured we will have the baby pool ready to go and operational as soon as the restrictions are lifted. In the meantime, we realize the importance of pool time for families with small children. We have made the unprecedented decision to allow all children in the main pool for the duration of time the baby pool is closed. Infants and children wearing diapers, or who are not toilet trained, shall be permitted in the main pool, but must wear swim diapers AND tight fitting rubber/waterproof pants. In the event of fecal contamination, the pool will be closed in accordance with Health Department regulations. As a reminder, a parent/guardian must closely
watch children at all times and must accompany a non-swimmer in the water within arm’s reach at all times. This policy is subject to review and may be revoked at any time during the season.
watch children at all times and must accompany a non-swimmer in the water within arm’s reach at all times. This policy is subject to review and may be revoked at any time during the season.
I get it about the pool, what about the playground and volleyball court?
The volleyball court will officially open for members to use the day we open the pool. Based on County guidelines, however, the playground remains closed. We realize the playground is a popular spot for children to play during adult swim and throughout the day. We ask for your assistance to ensure we are following the guidelines and do not allow your children to play on the equipment at this time. We will open the playground when health officials indicate it is safe to do so.
Since the pool is opening late, what happens to my membership dues?
There are still fixed and operating costs when the pool is closed. However, our contract with Anchor Aquatics allows for a cost savings each week we are not open and we are committed to passing on all cost savings from the delayed opening directly to our members. We are now able to confirm that all members will receive $15 per week for every week the pool is closed. If we open as anticipated on June 15th, each family will receive $45 and the total amount will be applied to your 2021 membership dues. If the pool opens and then closes again during the season for any reason, we will do our best to pass along any additional savings, but cannot make any guarantees.
Can I get a refund if I don’t want to use the pool this summer?
As a member of NCASC, like all of us, we have an obligation to the maintenance of the pool and the surroundings. We must pay Anchor Aquatics, annual insurance, utilities, landscaping, and repairs among other things whether we open or not. The pool budget is based on our member numbers and our contractual costs begin months before the pool itself is open. We have been closely monitoring all costs and trimmed our budget wherever possible to ensure we could provide the member rebate mentioned above, but we are unable to provide refunds.
What is the Board doing to maintain the NCASC fiscal health?
At this time, our goal remains to have a safe, well-maintained and financially sustainable swim club. At this time, we are focusing on needs rather than wants. Any projects that are taken on this year will be ones dealing with health, safety and/or repairs. Cosmetic fixes or upgrades are currently being put on hold and we have eliminated our social budget to save costs this summer.
Will there be a Swim Team this year?
Sadly, there will not be an official ESPL swim season this year. The league voted to cancel the season to ensure the health and safety of all swim team members and their families. If there is an opportunity to get the Gators together we will let you know!
Is there anything else the Board wants us to know?
Along with your patience, we please ask that you prepare for things to change and evolve as the summer progresses. To make pool usage safe and equitable, we may have to make changes to procedures as we collect more information and see how things play in this novel pandemic. We will continue to monitor the way the pool is operating and work to optimize the pool experience for all members. Remember, we are considering everyone’s health first and will operate within the parameters and the laws and guidelines set forth by our leaders and health officials. The first few weeks will more likely than not come with some trial and error and please know that we are trying our best and there is no ideal solution for this situation. We appreciate your feedback
and request your patience as we navigate this new normal.
and request your patience as we navigate this new normal.
