Due to the current number of COVID cases in Del Norte County, the extremely high transmission rate of the Delta variant now in our community, and not being able to wear masks in aquatic programs, the safest option for our community is to temporarily postpone Recreation and Family Swims until more information and guidance can be found.
The key areas of concern with safety in recreation and family swims are that masks are not allowed in the pool and lifeguards are unable to enforce safe social distancing during these swims. It is not uncommon to have over 60 people in the pool during these swims and many youth participate in these programs as groups of friends without adult/family supervision. Normally these circumstances provide for a wonderful recreation experience, often including laughter, freeze tag and yelling “Marco” over the pool noise, however during a surge in COVID cases these variables can create an unsafe environment in the pool. After much consideration and research our aquatics team feels these swims should be postponed until positive cases are not so prevalent in the community.
Please know our aquatics team has increased our sanitization protocols for the pool and we appreciate your willingness to mask in shared spaces and follow posted safety guidance to ensure we are able to stay open and offer the community all the other important aquatic services at the pool. Please encourage youth and families to engage in the free group swim lessons provided by the Del Norte Healthcare District until recreation/family swims can be safely offered again. Please know our team will access information and monitor the situation closely.
We know that the past year and a half has been difficult for our aquatics community, but pool staff have felt so much support from all of you.
So thank you so much for your understanding and kindness. We will continue to work hard keeping you, your families, and our staff as safe as possible as we navigate this current situation.
With Gratitude,
Fred Endert Municipal Pool Staff