The Ghana Swimming Association (GSA) has outlined measures to restart its activities in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Swimming which is categorized under non-contact sport is among a list of disciplines that have been given the green light to resume their activities by observing the protocols and directives by government.
In a letter copied to The Finder from GSA, the measures outlined stated, “Following the announcement on the resumption of non-contact swimming activities by the Minister for Youth and Sports Hon. Isaac Asiamah on June 3, 2020, the Ghana Swimming Association (GSA) wishes to inform the general public that it has come up with its guidelines for the reopening of swimming pools in Ghana as follows:
“Operators of swimming pools must eliminate the use of low ventilated spaces and rooms that do not allow for social distancing, increase water-sanitation levels, create visible markers on the floor to indicate appropriate spacing for pool deck and entrances.
“There should be a screening of athletes/coaches/patrons as they come in to practice or swim, record the names of the athletes/coaches/patrons, and their telephone numbers, residential addresses, temperature, if they feel ill in any way, specifically listing certain symptoms and send home those athletes/coaches reporting/feeling ill or experiencing symptoms”.
On Symptoms to look out for by operators
Mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, or difficulty in breathing among others.
Ensure that athletes/coaches/patrons that begin to cough/sneeze for any reason must move away from others until coughing/sneezing dissipates.
Discourage the use of changing rooms. (Athletes/coaches/patrons should shower at home and change clothes at home or in their cars.
Ensure that social distancing is practiced within and around the facility at all times.
Ensure that coaches or lifeguards control the flow of athletes/patrons in and out of the facility as well as pools.
Ensure that there is adequate spacing in the pool during sessions, ensure adequate cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces in the training facility.
Limit contact points in the facility, ensure that Veronica buckets, water, soap and tissue are placed at the entry points of the facility.
According to the General Secretary Muniru M.Kassim, the measures outlined have been approved by the international body FINA.
“The above-mentioned guidelines, culled from other FINA-affiliated countries and tuned to suit our own local health guidelines, are recommended by the Ghana Swimming Association (GSA) to ensure that swimmers practice in a safe environment.
“All swimming pool operators must paste these guidelines at the entrances of their facilities”.