In preparation for the re-opening of sport and recreation facilities, and the re-start of artistic swimming programs across the country, Canada Artistic Swimming (CAS) is taking steps to ensure the return to sport is as safe as possible.
Canada Artistic Swimming is working with its Aquatic Sport partners: Diving Canada, Swimming Canada, and Water Polo Canada on an initiative to develop general requirements for return to sport in an aquatic environment. The intent of this working group is to develop common guidelines to assist all our Members and clubs in returning safely to swimming pools as we learn to live in a COVID landscape.
It will be important for all groups to follow all written procedures while also ensuring that all return plans adhere to the municipal, provincial and national health guidelines and restrictions. Aquatic discipline specific information for athletes participating in artistic swimming, diving, swimming, and water polo across the country will also be provided.
“We recognize that our sport participants are anxious to get back to training in a safe manner. This is a new environment for everyone and there is no playbook to describe in detail what this process should look like. Working together with our aquatic and Canadian sport partners, and our Members, we are confident that we can demonstrate our commitment to health-centric programming to the various decision-makers at the municipal and provincial level.”
Julie Healy, Canada Artistic Swimming Chief Sport Officer“We know there are many athletes keen to return to the pool – we are all in this together. Safety is our number one priority to protect the health and well-being of Canadians in general. We know it will take time and there are many levels of decision-makers involved. But we are confident that with the right approach, we can all get back to the pool in a respectful and safe manner.”
Jackie Buckingham, Canada Artistic Swimming CEO
The return to swimming pools will be a phased approach, beginning once municipal, provincial and federal regulations permit the resumption of activity.
“Back-to-training plans will need to focus on physical distancing, personal hygiene, how to arrive and depart from facilities as well as using equipment and training spaces safely. Guidelines for coaches to mitigate risk will be included as we go forward with the information roll out”, said Healy
The National Guidelines document will be shared with CAS Members who in turn will reference it, along with any provincial specific requirements and information added, to further guide their clubs and coaches. All national aquatics and Canadian organizations will continue to create and share resources as the situation develops, based on the best information available.
“Swimming pools are extremely important to Canadians who value the contribution their aquatic sport makes to their personal fitness and health. Along with our fellow aquatic partners, we eagerly await a safe and full return to participation and competition by our artistic swimming Members and registrants.”
Judi Enns Bradette, Canada Artistic Swimming President