By GARLAND KENNEDY
Sentinel Staff Writer
A full month after reopening following the coronavirus shutdown, the Mt. Edgecumbe High School Aquatic Center reports that, with mitigation measures in effect, it’s at a fourth of its pre-pandemic capacity.
This means that up to 25 people can be in the water during the three weekday one-hour swim times, said pool manager Shellie Dunn.
“This community has been amazing at supporting this pool, despite all the bumps we’ve had,” Dunn said.
The pool is open Monday through Friday, 6-7 a.m., 1-2 p.m., and 5-6 p.m.
The morning swim is the most common time for more intense lap swimmers, said Head Lifeguard Dawn McClung. Dunn said that the 1-2 p.m. time slot is optimal for parents with their young children. The evening time, she said, is often used by the elderly as a therapy swim.
But McClung noted that none of these categories is set in stone, as all types of swimmers are welcome at all swimming times.
“There’s plenty of room. We’ve had every kind of swimmer come in at every time,” McClung said.
Dunn noted that the aquatic center staff takes many precautions, from disinfection of surfaces to wearing masks and gloves on the pool deck.
“COVID-19 and pools aren’t super great together,” she said. “The safest place to be in this situation is the pool because of the chlorine ... The problem is that the deck, the locker rooms and everywhere else are the worst place you can be,” she said.
Dunn noted that the disinfection of common areas is what necessitates the long gaps between swimming times.
McClung said her guards have stepped up to meet the new disinfection standards.
“We’ve learned a lot about hygiene and how to keep facilities clean, which is not generally part of our job,” McClung said.
Shellie Dunn looks at the temperature readout on a non-contact thermometer this morning at the Mt. Edgecumbe Aquatic Center. Swimming pool staff have taken several measures to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)
A swimmer’s visit to the aquatic center begins in the lobby with a temperature check and a questionnaire asking about symptoms of illness, exposure to COVID cases and recent travel. With the proper answers the swimmer can advance to the cashier desk, and from there to the pre-swim shower.
“All patrons should be coming in their bathing suits,” Dunn said. She added that this reduces potential locker room exposure. Also, swimmers can no longer use the showers after a swim, or use the locker room to change into street clothes. Instead, they are asked to towel off in their swimsuits on the pool deck and shower at home, further reducing potential exposure to the virus.
Dunn said lifeguards now wear masks and gloves, which adds a new layer of difficulty.
“We can’t be in a situation when patrons are in jeopardy when a guard can’t get their attention (if muffled by a mask),” she said.
The heat in the aquatic center also makes wearing masks and gloves uncomfortable, she added.
“All those things have worked out OK. They’re not fun but we have made it past them,” she said.
McClung agreed that the temperature of the air in the pool area can be an issue. “It’s 90 degrees on the pool deck – that’s hot. Already that’s why we dress in tank tops and shorts.”
Masks and gloves add a new layer of heat, though the guards rotate shift twice per hour, she said.
Dunn said her staff has “been nothing but professional.”
McClung agreed.
“For the whole staff to just be really professional, because we really want people to feel safe when they come here,” she said.
For the moment, the Mt. Edgecumbe Aquatic Center operates with minimal staff, Dunn managing alongside McClung and a half dozen other guards.
“When the pool is open at capacity the six guards will be just a skeleton crew,” Dunn said.
Despite limits and precautions, Dunn said public reaction to the pool’s reopening has been “excitement. Just really happy to have a space.”
She noted that with the health checks at the door and altered shower procedures, some things take extra time.
“Be patient with us; it’s a tricky thing running a pool with the COVID situation. And sometimes people have to wait outside for some time,” she said.
The finances involved in running the aquatic center with the coronavirus measures in effect are another major issue, she said.
“It’s just not cost-effective running the pool,” she said.
A typical pre-pandemic day could see as many as 100 swimmers in the water at once. With a current maximum capacity of 25, revenue is low.
“That’s the challenge, keeping things as tight as we can until we can get to fully open,” Dunn said.
Difficulties aside, Dunn noted that she’s glad to offer a chance for Sitkans to swim again.
“I’m just happy to be open,” she said.
McClung hopes to see more swimmers in the coming weeks.
“I would love to encourage more people to come out – we haven’t been at capacity yet,” she said.
