Hi all,

Gov. Polis & CDPHE have just released updated guidance on pools & team sports, in draft form to be confirmed (after comment period) on Thurs 6/4.

Highlights:

• Organized youth or adult recreational sports leagues in groups of up to 25 people (outside) or 10 (inside) are permitted.
• Spectators, like parents, are permitted for youth sports, so long as members from different households maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance from each other.
• Limit pool to 50% capacity, up to 50 people, whichever is fewer.
• Swimmers not living in the same household should stay at least 6 feet apart during recreational swim, and there should only be one swimmer per lane for lap swim.
• While restrooms and showers must remain open, close off locker access to reduce congregation in enclosed spaces and sharing lockers. Surfaces in restrooms should be routinely cleaned every hour.
• Provide physical cues or guides (for example, lane lines in the water or chairs and tables on the deck) and visual cues (for example, tape on the decks, floors, or sidewalks) and signs to ensure that staff, patrons, and swimmers stay at least 6 feet apart from members of other households, both in and out of the water.

The one problem I see is the one-swimmer-per-lane provision, which hopefully will be noted in the comment period and modified to something more practicable. So, as written now, max 50 in the pool with spacing, 25 of those can be on the team, but possibly only swimmer per lane at a time (lots of 25s off the blocks?). Regardless of the final version, we now have something real allowing team swimmers in the water (presumably beginning as early as Thurs 6/4).

By the way, I’ve submitted feedback on the draft guidance regarding outdoor pool and team spacing (group size, spacing capacity limits too stringent). You can do the same if you like - submit here.

Steven