Canadian Swimmers Fit To Fly Back Into Training As Pools Reopen “In Safe Manner”

joshua-liendo-canada-fina-world-juniors - Training

Josh Liendo and other Canadian swimmers are set to take the plunge back into pool training after COVID-19 lockdown - Photo Courtesy: Swimming Canada/Ian MacNicol

Canadian swimmers are about to take the plunge back into training as pools start to reopen in various jurisdictions across they country as part of COVI-19 lockdown easing.

Swimming Canada announced that it is continuing to work in collaboration with its ten provincial section members, which are leading the return to swimming process in their provinces. Swimming Canada High Performance Director John Atkinson said:

“It is great to see some provinces taking the lead on reopening pools in a safe manner. Swimming Canada’s high-performance athletes are ready to dive back in when the green light is given to reopen their pools.”

Swimming Canada’s High Performance Centre, Quebec (the Institut National du Sport du Québec), has a tentative restart date of July 4 for its first group of Canadian swimmers. The organization hopes to be able to restart its programs at the High Performance Centres in Victoria, Vancouver and Toronto as soon as possible. Says Atkinson:

“We have a really safe, well thought out framework that has been put together and we are ready to see it implemented across the country, specifically within our own High Performance Centres. It’s important for Team Canada internationally to have our athletes and clubs get back in the water to resume training towards their goals.”

Swimming Canada CEO Ahmed El-Awadi said:

“We can’t wait to see our clubs, university programs and High Performance Centres back in the pool. We understand that each provincial health authority is approaching the reopening of pools differently, and we encourage them to continue communicating with their provincial swimming organizations.”

Swimming Canada’s framework, published on May 29, contains “a number of recommendations to equip and inform health authorities, aquatic facilities, provincial sections, clubs and coaches in their roles leading a safe return to pools that have been closed since mid-March”, the federation noted today with news of a wave of pool openings.

Recommended measures for Canadian swimmers, coaches, pool operators and others heading back to the pool, include health monitoring, physical distancing, personal hygiene, and equipment use. All plans must adhere to provincial and municipal requirements with the main focus remaining on health and safety.

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