I hope this email finds you healthy and safe.

Updates this week include: Restriction update, the return of Long Course Swimming, Aquatic Team Recognition, Emergency Training and Healthy Kids Day this Saturday.

Restriction Update – The Governor recently announced updates on the loosening of restrictions, subject to continued progress on vaccinations and COVID-19 metrics. While May 1 is an important date for outdoor activities, May 19 brings the elimination of social distancing and occupancy requirements. However, the wearing of a face covering while indoors will continue. As is always the case with these announcements, we have to wait and see the specifics that are outlined by the Department of Public Health but this is clearly a positive trend. We are hopeful that the continued success of the vaccination program will encourage our former Members to consider returning to the facility. Whether you have become a “hunk” or a “chunk” during the pandemic, we look forward to celebrating your return to the Y.

Long Course Returns – In another sign of returning to normalcy, beginning this coming Wednesday, April 28, we are going to reintroduce long course 50-meter lanes (LCM) to the Olympic Pool. The particulars:

• When
  • Mondays and Fridays from 5 AM until 8:55 AM
  • Wednesdays from 5 AM until 9:55 AM
    • Conversion from LCM to short course yards (SCY) will be done in the half hour after LCM ends.
    • The deck will remain closed to swimmers at this time.
• Guidelines
  • 4 swimmers per lane
  • Circle swimming counterclockwise/lane line on your right side.
    • If you are the first swimmer in the lane, start circle swimming.
    • No splitting the lane.
    • Entry either via shallow/scoreboard or deep/diving board side
• Gear
  • Masks – there will be hooks at both ends of the pool for masks
  • All other gear – can be stowed on tables that will remain in their SCY position
    • LCM Lane 1 – use Tables for Lane 1 and 2
    • LCM Lane 2 – use Tables for Lane 3 and 4
    • Etc.
• Signage describing the lanes and tables will be updated to reflect LCM
• Reservation System
  • Will be updated
  • As is the case today, we need you to swim in your reserved lane so we can contact trace.

Aquatic Team Recognition – We have a sizable group of participants in our aquatics programs that will be leaving us for college next year. I want to take a moment to thank them for participating in our program and congratulate them as they take the next step in their journey. Congratulations to our college-bound seniors!

• Nolan Bannerton – George Washington
• Jack Bruce – Bucknell
• Tom Cass –  UC Irvine
• Colin Farrell – Union College
• Kaitlin Ganshaw – Cornell
• Jack Holl – Penn State Behrend
• Mark Katsev – Fordham
• Isabella Lippolos – Bucknell
• Lior Lyubronetsky – Penn State Behrend
• Gavin Molloy – Princeton
• Filip Norell – Pacific
• Manuel Pemberthy – Pacific
• Matthew Ryckman – Bucknell
• Maddie Seltzer – Princeton
• Danny Taylor – Naval Academy

Emergency Training – Our Lifeguards are our primary responders/providers of care in case of emergency and train/drill frequently.  To supplement our overall coverage and in order to safely maintain our large facility, we recently had 22 of our non-lifeguard staff participate in an Emergency Training class that included sessions featuring CPR, AED and general First Aid training. On Friday afternoon, we had a drill to reinforce the recent learnings. I am happy to report that the performance was within prescribed time parameters and was well coordinated. Members should feel comfortable that the facility is well covered from an emergency perspective. If you see someone at the Y in distress, you can confidently contact the staff throughout the Y to deliver appropriate care on a timely basis.

Healthy Kids Day – Come join us in the Mason Street parking lot on Saturday, April 24 from 11 AM – 2 PM. This is the Y’s national initiative to improve health and well-being for kids and families. Activities will include games, Earth Day crafts, fitness challenges and much more.  It is free of charge and all are welcome!

Stay healthy and safe!

Michael Kelly,

Chief Operating Officer,

Greenwich YMCA