MOVING FORWARD | YMCA of Metro Chicago Cautiously Reopens Its Center Swimming Pools

NEW STRINGENT IN-CENTER PROCEDURES WILL BE IN PLACE TO KEEP MEMBERS AND STAFF SAFE

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago announced that it is starting to reopen its in-center swimming pools this week for limited use. The Association is cautiously reopening its pools in a three-wave staggered approach and has implemented new stringent in-center guidelines to ensure the health and safety of its members and staff. Six of the Association’s Y centers will reopen their pools today. They are:

Buehler YMCA in Palatine
Fry Family YMCA in Naperville
Foglia YMCA in Lake Zurich
Indian Boundary YMCA in Downers Grove
Irving Park YMCA in Irving Park
Lake View YMCA in Lake View

However, while the above pools are reopening, they will be initially available for lap swimming only, with one swimmer per lane at any one time. Other aquatics activities such as recreational swimming, water fitness, private and group swimming lessons, and swim team practices will resume later based on guidelines from the Governor’s Office and public health authorities.

The YMCA of Metro Chicago has created a comprehensive Center Reopening Guide and an Aquatics Reopening Plan filled with critical in-center procedures to ensure the safest experience for all. Staff have been trained on the new measures, which include how to conduct health screenings at check-in, enforcing social distancing requirements, and understanding the new cleaning protocols that align with the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) standards.

Members will notice a few changes at the centers, although many of the precautions are temporary. For example, common area seating has been removed to discourage people from congregating, water fountains will be available for bottle fill only, towel service has been suspended, and members are encouraged to bring their own mats, resistance bands, and other personal fitness equipment.