Aquatic Program Schedule Update

Miami Country Day Aquatics

TEAM UPDATE

Hello MCDA Swim Team Families,

I hope everyone is healthy and happy.  I know it feels like a really long time since we were all together at the pool or at a meet.  But, I hope that you’ve taken this time to do something a little special.  Something that you can look back on and say, I’m proud I did this or that.  Or went here or there.  I hope the time away from the pool has not only allowed you to heal any aliments, you were able to be well rested and now leaves you itching to get back to work!!   Yesterday, we received a tasty little nugget of info that I want to pass along.  I am happy to announce that we will begin to have Age Group swim practice again starting Monday, August 31st . 

 

When we relaunch the program, again, we will have a similar practice and protocols to how we started back in June.  Swim Lessons, Water Polo and Master’s Swimming will not start right away.  These programs will be phased back into a schedule soon.  Please understand that this will be a slow process as we will reevaluate how the start of swim practices goes.  We are so lucky.  MCDA has been allowed to return to practice on campus before the students, faculty and staff have been allowed back.  What an honor!

 

As it was before, there are going to be all new protocols about getting on to campus as well as in and around the pool.  I know everyone will be understanding and considerate of our new “normals”, as they are in place for the well-being of everyone on campus.  We are very lucky to have already been through this process once before so it will feel very normal and there will be less trial and error, but please remember above all, make sure you are patient and courteous with all staff members as we continue to update and make our protocols as safe and as effective as possible for our entire community.

 

The MCDA Re-Relaunch

Week 1

  • Starting Monday, the 31st, we will be offing practice times for 13 and over swimmers ONLY. 
  • Practice times will be determined at a later date.
  • Only 10 swimmers will be allowed per practice.  On a first come first serve basis.
  • Only swimmers will be allowed on campus, no parents will be allowed.
  • Parents can drop off and pick up on 107th only.
  • Swimmers will have to reserve their spot.  No swimmer will be allowed on campus if they are not pre-registered for the specific practice time.
  • All swimmers will need to fill out and submit a waiver and submit a signed copy to Coach Zoe.
    • Covid-19 Waiver
  • All forms and reservations should be coordinated with Coach Zoe.

When a swimmer arrives on campus, he or she will be asked a series of health related questions by the security member on duty.  Please answer them directly and honestly.  The questions asked will be yes or no questions, for example: do you feel fatigue, do you have the chills, do you have a stuffy nose, etc. Temperature checks will no longer be part of the mandate to enter campus.  If a swimmer is part of a family of swimmers, and that swimmer is denied access…then all members of that family will be denied access to campus.  If a swimmer(s) is/are sent home, there will be follow up email on how to return to campus. 

  • While on campus face masks must be worn at all times, except for when swimmers get into the water. 
  • After being admitted to campus, from the South Gate, all swimmers must report directly to the pool. 
  • On the pool deck there will be a hand washing station that everyone must use.
  • All athletes will be asked to come to the pool already dressed in their suits. 
    • The locker rooms will be off limits for changing.
  • Once at the pool athletes will be asked to walk up to the balcony into 1 of 10 pre-determined areas to put down their personal belongings.
  • Once ready, swimmers will go to their pre-assigned lane with their personal training gear.
  • All spacing of 6 feet apart will be spaced out around the pool, for athletes and coaches.
  • Bathroom rooms will be propped open so athletes/coaches do not have to touch the doors.
  • One person will be allowed to use the bathroom at a time.
  • At the end of practice we will stagger the exit of swimmers to dry off and head to where their personal possessions are located.
  • Athletes will be required to change clothes and shower at home.
  • Athletes will be asked to exit from the side gate by the water fountain and head to the South Gate.
  • Athletes and families who travel will need to stay away from team practice (self-isolate) for 14 days before returning to practice.
  • We will not require athletes to attend.  To be clear there is no penalty for missing practice and that if an athlete, or any member of their family does not feel well, they should stay home. 

I want to be 100% clear and consistent about expectations and enforce policies. 

Anyone not following the policies will be asked to leave practice and be suspended from returning for 1 week.

 

Week 2

  • Starting Monday, the 7th, we will be offing additional practice times for 11 and over swimmers ONLY. (Times are to be determined)
  • Only 10 swimmers will be allowed per practice

 

Week 3

  • Starting Monday, the 14th we will be offing practice times for 8 and over swimmers ONLY. ((Times are to be determined)
  • Only 10 swimmers will be allowed per practice.

 

Swimming Safely

PREPARING TO SWIM - Protect against infections:

  • Swimmers will not share equipment.  Each athletes has and will have their own personal training equipment.
  • Athletes should bring a full water bottle.  
  • Swimmers should arrive as close as possible to when activity begins.
  • Athletes should avoid touching gates, fences, benches, etc. if possible.

WHEN SWIMMING

  • Swimmers MUST follow directions for spacing and stay at least six feet apart from others.
  • No-one should make physical contact with others, such as shaking hands or giving a high five.
  • There will be NO sharing of drinks or towels.
  • All swimmers must maintain appropriate social distancing from other athletes when taking a break.

AFTER SWIMMING

  • All athletes will be required to leave the facility as soon as reasonably possible after practice.
  • Swimmers should wash their hands thoroughly or use a hand sanitizer after leaving the pool.
  • Locker Rooms will not be allowed as a changing area.
  • Swimmers should shower at home, and wear their suit to and from practice
  • No extra-curricular or social activity should take place.
  • No congregation after swimming.

 

I am very excited to begin to see all the swimmers at the pool.  I want to make sure that we understand how important it is to follow the protocols.  The last thing we want is to shut down again due to the spread of the virus or to have someone get sick.  So it is very, very important to make sure we do our very best to keep everyone safe and to not spread the virus. 

I look forward to see you on the pool deck soon!

Best,

Coach Eric

"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity”

The first week will be only our 13 & Over Swimmers

I would like to express my gratitude for your patience and support during this time.  It takes a village to make MCDA a special place and it’s great to have you on our team.