Pursuant to Governor McMaster’s orders, commercial pools may open on Monday, May 18, 2020. The three Daniel Island Community Association pools, Scott Park, Pierce Park and Edgefield Park are subject to regulation by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). DHEC has issued pool re-opening guidelines that are discussed below.
While we are excited to get the pools open for resident use, please be aware that due to the continued threat of COVID-19, there will be numerous modifications to our normal operations and procedures that will need to take place in order for a safe reopening.
We have worked closely with our contractor, Sweetwater Pools, to come up with a Phase 1 reopening plan. Health and safety of the Daniel Island Community is our main priority. Our efforts will focus on limiting virus exposure while at the pools by practicing social distancing and maintaining a clean swimming environment. There are areas in which you as residents can also help limit your exposure to the virus while at the pools and within the community.
Phase 1 Pool Reopening Plan
Occupancy: There will be reduced occupancy at the pools due to social distancing recommendations. This will be a phased capacity and we will increase occupancy numbers when recommended by local and state officials. Based on DHEC guidelines, we will open our pools at 20% capacity for Phase 1. This means 30 residents per pool at one time. Residents will have to make a reservation in order to enter any of the 3 DICA pools.
- Pool visits will be limited to shifts of (2) hours. This will increase the turnover of swimmers at each pool which will allow more residents a chance to swim throughout the day.
- To manage the volume of residents, we will implement a scheduling program in which Daniel Island Community Association (DICA) residents will book their swim time through the “CourtReserve” app or online software.
- DICA Residents will have a limited number of reservations per week giving all residents a chance to utilize the pools.
- Only residents will be allowed to enter the pools during Phase 1. No guests will be allowed.
- Instructions on making a reservation through CourtReserve will be announced later this week and emailed to DICA residents
- This technology is new for our office as well as you. Please be patient with us as we work together in creating a safe environment for swimming. If you have any issues with the software, please email either Danielle.Hermann@dicommunity.org or Lisa.Avant@dicommunity.org for assistance
- Occupancy numbers will increase during Phase 2, which will be announced at a later date
Proposed Swim Schedule:
- 5 AM – 7 AM – Lap Swim
- 7 AM – 9 AM – Closed for cleaning
- 9 AM – 11 AM – 1st Reservation Block
- 11 AM – 12 PM – Closed for cleaning
- 12 PM -2 PM – 2nd Reservation Block
- 2 PM – 3 PM – Closed for cleaning
- 3 PM – 5 PM – 3rd Reservation Block
- 5 PM – 6 PM – Closed for cleaning
- 6 PM – 8 PM – 4th Reservation Block
Furniture:
- All deck furniture will be spaced 6 feet apart.
- All furniture will be wiped down before and after each reservation time slot.
- It is recommended that residents lay down a towel on top of the chair they are utilizing to provide an extra layer of protection.
Reduce the Spread of the Virus:
- Social Distancing: A minimum distance of 6’ between groups, families, and friends would be required at all times. This policy would be self-policed; however, continued failure to observe social distancing could result in removal from the pool.
- Staffing:
- A Sweetwater Staff member will be at the front gate to greet swimmers and sign them in to their reserved time slot.
- A second Sweetwater Staff member will be stationed within the pool gates for regular cleaning of touch surfaces, restrooms, furniture, and to enforce the pool rules.
- There will be no lifeguards present.
- Protective Measures for Residents to Take:
- Residents are encouraged to use hand sanitizer upon arriving and before leaving the pool. There will be hand sanitizer provided for residents to use while at the pool.
- Residents are strongly encouraged, but not required, to wear face masks at all times when at the pool.
- Employee Safety: In addition to the above measures, the following would apply to all pool employees:
- PPE: Gloves and masks will be required.
- First Aid: Parents or family members would provide basic first aid to other family members. A first aid kit is located within the pool gates at each facility. If you need help locating a first aid kit, please ask for help from the staff member within the pool gates.
- Programming:
- The 2020 Daniel Island Summer Swim Camp has been CANCELLED
- Swim lessons are temporarily suspended
- Water Aerobics are temporarily suspended
- Pool Parties are temporarily suspended
- Flying Fish and Swim Charleston Swim Team practices are temporarily suspended
Please know that we appreciate your patience and partnership as we work together to try and offer a fun and safe experience for our residents at the community pools. We will be monitoring health conditions and all new government recommendations as we move forward in order to quickly respond to any emerging developments.
Wishing you and your family a fun and safe summer at the pool!
