The C.O.O. Corner – A Message from Michael Kelly, C.O.O.
I hope this message finds you and your families healthy and safe.
The last two weeks, my messages have been centered on the growing trend of positive tests/COVID-19 spread across the country and remaining diligent as COVID-19 has made its way into the community and the Y. Unfortunately, the underlying message continues with the Y implementing incremental policies and procedures.
LOCAL COVID-19 NUMBERS
Since last week’s report, we had a number of Aquatics Team Members who were in close contact with others who tested positive for COVID-19. Further, there has been a trend within the town and county that the 10-19 age group had the highest number of instances of positive test results. With that as background, we decided to cancel Aquatics practices on Monday and Tuesday and use the time to survey/follow-up with all Aquatic Team Members (as well as lifeguards and other Aquatic staff) to determine if they had COVID-19 exposure. We used the opportunity to do a deep clean of the entire facility on Monday night. We did learn of a very few incremental exposures, they were evaluated and a plan was established that included dates for status check and potential safe return. The remainder of the teams returned to practice on Wednesday. In this particular situation, I believe that the incremental steps we followed were necessary, given the changing environment. For the record, the Greenwich Department of Health agrees with my assessment.
PLEASE WEAR YOUR FACE COVERINGS
Conversely, we introduced a “new” policy for face covering, a cornerstone requirement since reopening of the Y specifically and CT/US in general. I have been asked by several Members what has changed related to face covering guidelines. The answer – nothing has changed; simply stated, we implemented because Members were not compliant (be it by omission or design) and were creating uncomfortable situations for other Members and staff. We felt the need for further restrictions in order to assure safety but the truth is that this incremental face covering policy should not have been necessary had previous policy been followed.
SWIM LANE RESERVATIONS
Another area where noncompliance is creating challenges is in swim lane reservations. Taking empty lanes that have already been reserved, not vacating your lane timely, or double booking lanes – either adding fictitious swimmers to have the lane for yourself as well as reserving back-to-back sessions. All of these behaviors create conflict on the pool deck, especially for those who follow the guidelines, have reserved and arrive on time, only to have their swim time reduced because of not following our rules (or Members trying to manipulate the system to their favor.) We have discussed a process that would require wrist bracelets with lane identification in the name of compliance. That said, my goal is to lessen the number of policies and procedures with the passage of time as we return to “normal”. A change in behavior (supported by our new reservation app that eliminates some of the above) will preclude us from another policy/procedure that provides little value.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
My goal is to make the Greenwich Y a healthy and safe oasis where one can come to relieve the stress that surrounds us on a daily basis…..not supplement the stress with compliance challenges throughout the facility. One of the Y’s core missions is Social Responsibility – along those lines, I appeal to you to be respectful of your fellow Members and staff by embracing community spirit and support. Thanks in advance.
Stay Healthy and Safe!
For additional information, please contact Michael Kelly, C.O.O. at mkelly@gwymca.org.
For general inquiries, or questions about your Membership, please contact the Member Services team at frontdesk@gwymca.org.
