Now that the Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms pools are open, some residents are wondering how safe it is to swim in a public pool. San Bernardino County has released its official guidelines regarding public pools and COVID-19 safety. Reporter Joshua King has more details…
As the summer returns, people would like to return to one of their favorite warm-weather spots: the swimming pool. How safe is the use of public swimming pools as we re-open?
The good news is that, according to the Centers for Disease Control, there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of swimming pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance and disinfection (with chlorine and bromine) should eliminate the coronavirus. Moreover, the sheer volume of water is likely to dilute the virus — which means swimming in lakes, rivers or the ocean also appears safe.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that bodies of water are immune to the virus. A face mask serves little purpose in the water, so the real key to being safe is to maintain the same social distancing procedures used elsewhere. More tips on pool/swimming safety are available below.
- Maintain adequate distance between swimmers.
- Avoid large groups or parties.
- Keep lounge chairs and other pool furniture properly distanced (or remove them completely).
- Use hand sanitizer and be sure common restrooms are cleaned and adequately stocked with soap and paper towels.
- Regularly disinfect common surfaces such as gates, door handles, rails, tables, chairs, and drinking fountains.
- Remind guests to wash hands regularly … and as always, to stay away if they are sick.
