Gov. Inslee Restrictions Update

Nick Chevalier
At this point, we have seen communications from both the Washington Department of Health and Washington Recreation and Parks Association indicating that "Water Recreation Facilities (WRF) are separate from indoor fitness facilities.  WRF's are allowed to continue operating under current guidelines.  This also applies to swim teams.  They are allowed to continue practice in indoor pools as long as they are still following the WRF guidelines."
 
Along with the statewide crackdown, we are going to be voluntarily taking the following measures:
 
  1. All meets will be cancelled for at least the next two weeks. PNS will likely be suspending sanctions for the time being. After two weeks, we will evaluate doing either an intersquad meet or internal time trial in December to give the swimmers an opportunity to race.
  2. We'd like to define proper mask use and make the following mandatory:
    1. Masks with valves are not allowed. Masks must filter both inhaled and exhaled air. 
    2. Masks must be properly worn at all times. Your nose and mouth must remain covered, the mask must be sealed tightly to your face and fastened securely to your head. Holding the mask temporarily over the face is not allowed.
    3. All swimmers (including lap swim and water aerobics) must wear masks behind the lane and only remove it immediately prior to getting in the water. Masks must then be put back on immediately upon getting out of the water. Storage bins have been provided and swimmers should keep a plastic bag with them to keep the mask dry and sanitary when inside the storage bin.
  3. If you interact with people outside your household indoors and unmasked, you must either quarantine for 14 days or 7 days with a negative Covid test result before returning to the pool.
 
We are extremely fortunate to be exempt from these new restrictions. While the risk of transmission at pools may be lower than other places, we cannot let our guard down. Whenever outside our homes, we all need to act as if everyone we interact with has COVID - keep distance, wear a mask, wash hands often. If we all stay diligent and strong, we continue to protect each other and better our chances of staying open longer. 
 
We appreciate your continued cooperation and support.
 
West Management