It’s been a year and the COVID has changed our way we enjoy outdoor spaces. Thanks to the COVID-19 vaccines already readily available in most countries, many pools, beaches and other aquatic areas will reopen this summer.

According to the “Goodhousekeeping.com” website, “lakes, oceans and other sources of fresh water in our communities aren’t sources of high COVID-19 transmission risk, no matter how many people have previously taken a dip“. They also wrote that “There is no evidence that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can spread to people through water in these places”.

It seems that the real danger of infection might actually come from the people around the pool or beach who shared surfaces like sunbeds, or use the same indoor facilities like lockers, rest rooms or break rooms.

Social distancing

The most important measure of them all is Social Distancing. Staff, employees, tourists and guests must stay at least 6 feet away from each other. People from the same family or friends who came to the pool or to the beach together must not gather in the same area if their number exceeds 5 persons. Sunbeds must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after every use and must be kept 2 meters apart to maintain physical distance between guests. The number of people in the water must be limited, as well as the occupancy of bathrooms, locker rooms and breakrooms. Separate entries and exits must be assigned to avoid the crowds.

Wear masks

In addition to social distancing, all employees and guests must wear masks all the time and must not remove them. Guests are only allowed to remove their masks while swimming in the pool or the beach and while eating on their sunbeds. When their masks are removed, guests must respect social distancing and stay at least 6 feet away from each other. Everyone is encouraged to bring a second mask in case the first one gets wet. Masks must not be shared.

Regular PCRs

All the employees working at your private pools or beaches must be tested regularly. Daily temperature checks must be conducted using thermal cameras for everyone including employees, guests and everyone who enters your pool or beach. Any person who has any symptom is prohibited from entering the pool or the beach.

Good hygiene

All employees and guests must be provided with hand sanitizers that contains at least 60% alcohol and are encouraged to carry small ones in their bags or pockets. Hand-washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is encouraged. Hand sanitizers must be placed in visible and frequently used locations. Children must be supervised while using a hand sanitizer to prevent ingestion or sanitizer splashing or getting into their eyes. Everyone must cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of their elbows, throw used tissues in the trash, and wash their hands immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or sanitize their hands with a hand sanitizer. Shared objects, such as table tops, lounge chairs and sunbeds must be regularly cleaned and disinfected, as well as frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, handrails, bathroom surfaces and touch screens.

Guests must bring their own towels. Disinfection tunnels must be installed at the main entrances of the pool or the beach to eliminate bacteria and viruses on human bodies. Smart payment methods must be available to minimize contact through cash.

Signs and messages

Signs and messages must be posted in highly visible locations such as entrances and bathroom. This way, guests and employees are always reminded of all the safety measures they must abide by.

Remember!

• Get vaccinated! That’s the only way to avoid being sick and the best way to fight the pandemic
• Wash your hands and make it possible to people to have access to hand sanitizer
• Use disinfectant on sun loungers, chairs and tables
• Don’t let guests spit or blow their noses when in the water
• Keep your crowds small and aware by providing signage, information at all facilities