A vaccine is needed in order for anything to return to some sort of normal.
That’s the big splash needed not only for the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also for local sports clubs wishing to accommodate as many athletes as it can while B.C. remains in Phase Three of its restart plan.
The same goes for Prince George’s swim clubs: the Barracuda and Pisces (summer team).
According to both organizations, who serve more than 300 swimmers combined, they can only take a certain number of athletes for the fall season as a result of the return-to-sport restrictions by Swim BC and viaSport, as well as the city’s 50-person maximum in the Aquatic Centre.
Both the Barracuda and Pisces share the same facility and while registration for its use went live for the public to book on Monday (Aug. 31), clubs are getting the weekday afternoon slot, 4 to 6:30 p.m., to rent for their athletes.
“At this time, registration is closed and the groups that are able to practice are full,” says Barracuda spokesperson Jason Smith, which he says is a limit of 30 athletes and two coaches.
“A reminder that this is an extraordinary case due to the pandemic; as we can only accommodate so many members in the pool.”
Smith tells PrinceGeorgeMatters, however, the club could take in more athletes, but only if a ‘180-turn’ on the pandemic takes place.
Until then, a waiting list has been created for anyone interested in starting a membership, which Smith says can be done by email (jason@pgbsc.org).
For the Pisces, they also can only take in 30 athletes this season due to COVID-19, roughly 15 per cent of its normal capacity.
According to its registration guide, only pre-competitive programs can be offered at this point for 2019 members, which are set to be given priority.
If a new member wishes to sign up, they can do so starting Saturday (Sept. 5).
“Having 176-swimmers last year, and being limited to 30-swimmers this year, we would love to be able to engage and include those who weren’t successful in registering for the season,” the Pisces’ guideline reads.
“By using the online scheduling and attendance tool – we will be able create “Drop-in” club sessions for those who still wish to swim with our club.”
More information is available on the Prince George Barracuda and Pisces' respective websites.
During a media tour of the Aquatic Centre, Manager Jim Worthington encouraged the public to self-educate themselves about COVID-19 in order to have a safe experience.
He also notes staff and lifeguards are also in training with the new rules in place, including limiting the number of people in the pools.
“There’s been a lot of changes with the life-saving society and first-aid procedures,” he said.
“They, themselves, need to understand the COVID processes with distancing and when to wear a mask and when not to. Lifeguards aren’t required to wear a mask out on the pool deck, but if they feel more comfortable wearing a mask, they certainly can.”
The Barracuda and Pisces use the 50-metre pool for its practices and sessions, but has been cut in half to accommodate a 43-person capacity during this time.
As of this publication, there are 160 positive COVID-19 cases in Northern Health since the pandemic hit the region in March.
This includes 122 recoveries, no deaths, and 38 active cases.
A typical rendering of COVID-19 safety restrictions in place for a Swim BC-regulated pool. (via Swim BC)
