NANAIMO WHITE RAPIDS SEASON PLAN - 2021 The season that will look a little different! - TeamUnify
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Table of Contents Coaching Staff ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..P. 3 Other Contacts……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….P. 3 Disclaimer………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………P. 4 Season Objectives...............................................................................................................P. 4 COVID-19……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….P. 4 Registration Groups, Dates and Fees……………………………………………………………………………..P. 5 Registration Maximum and Waitlist……………………………………………………………………………….P. 6 Swimming Assessments…………………………………………………………………………………………………P. 6 Age Locator……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………P. 6 Group Placement…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..P. 8 Coach/Swimmer Maximum Ratios.....................................................................................P. 8 Schedule………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..P. 8 Additional Offerings……………………………………………………………………………………………………….P. 9 Drop in Waterpolo………………………………………………………………………………………………P. 9 Drop in Artistic Swimming…………………………………………………………………………………..P. 9 Blue & White Meets……………………………………………………………………………………………P. 9 Blue & White Days………………………………………………………………………………………………P. 10 Mile Swims………………………………………………………………………………………………………….P. 10 Hell Week……………………………………………………………………………………………………………P. 10 Extra Group Activities………………………………………………………………………………………….P. 11 Public Swim…………………………………………………………………………………………………………P. 11 Coaches In Training program……………………………………………………………………………….P. 11 Other Competitions.............................................................................................................P. 12 Equipment...........................................................................................................................P. 12 Anniversary T-Shirt………………………………………………………………………………………………………….P. 12 Apparel……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………P. 12 Fundraising Commitment………………………………………………………………………………………………..P. 13 Other Fundraisers……………………………………………………………………………………………………………P. 13 Volunteer Commitment…………………………………………………………………………………………………..P. 13 Season Calendar………………………………………………………………………………………………………………P. 14 Appendix: NWRSC Kin Pool COVID-19 Safety Plan……………………………………………………………P. 18 2
Coaching Staff Head Coach: Lee Vanden Ham (headcoach@nwrsc.ca) Asst Head Coach: Em McGibbon (assistantheadcoach@nwrsc.ca) Senior Coaches: Ava Johnson Finn Bodnar Junior Coaches: Kayley Morch Nyah DePol Sophie Peer Ella Page Arada Barclay Dev Coaches: Isabella Richards Isabelle Parsons Jack Mace Aia Segal Jasmine Schellinck Other Contacts Kin Pool Manager: Amanda Watkins (kinpoolmanager@nwrsc.ca) NWRSC President: Kate Palmer (president@nwrsc.ca) NWRSC VP: Chris Boulding (vp@nwrsc.ca) NWRSC Registrar: Mike Goerzen (registrar@nwrsc.ca) NWRSC Treasurer: Dave Kirk (treasurer@nwrsc.ca) Parent Liaison: Mary Blackburn (parentliaison@nwrsc.ca) Apparel Coordinator: Renay Deschambault (apparel@nwrsc.ca) Volunteer Coordinator: Carly Williams (volunteercoordinator@nwrsc.ca) 3
Disclaimer The NWRSC Board of Directors has done our best to plan for the upcoming season but please understand that as a result of this pandemic, nothing is easy or predictable. The information in this package is as accurate as is possible at the time of distribution but things have a tendency of changing quickly and we greatly appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate through this difficult time. This is a living document that will be revised and updated as new Public Health Orders and guidelines are released and we reserve the right to adjust dates, times, locations and activities as needed. Season Objectives 1. To provide a summer swim season that operates within the restrictions of the Public Health Orders related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 2. To meet the expectations of our contract with the City of Nanaimo within the context of the restrictions and the pandemic. 3. To offer programming that resembles our typical season as closely as is reasonably possible given restrictions. 4. To be flexible and adapt to changing public health orders. 5. To provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for swimmers, coaches, parents, volunteers, board members and community. 6. Engage in season planning that reflects the values, ideals and objectives of the Nanaimo White Rapids by using innovative and creative thinking. 7. Operate the season in a financially responsible and fiscally sustainable way to ensure the longevity of the club. COVID-19 One of the greatest challenges in planning this season is not knowing what Public Health Orders will be in place as the season unfolds. As such, we are planning events as if current Public Health Orders continue and will do our best to adapt as these orders change. For full NWRSC Season 2021 Kin Pool COVID-19 Safety Plan, see Appendix. Additional event specific safety plans will be created closer to these events in order to better reflect the active Public Health Orders at that time. Highlights: 1. Participants MUST competently meet the criterion of being able to swim 15m unassisted in a recognizable stroke. 2. The Nanaimo White Rapids reserves the right to withdraw any swimmer who consistently demonstrates an inability to participate in a safe way. This may be due to a lack of swimming ability or an inability to adequately follow COVID-19 safety protocols. 3. Parents MUST perform a daily health check prior to sending their swimmer(s) to practice each and every day. 4
4. All participants must be able and willing to follow all COVID-19 safety protocols such as social distancing, hand hygiene, mask wearing, daily health checks and avoiding practice if unwell or required to self-isolate by Island Health. 5. NWRSC will attempt to keep swim groups together as much as possible when planning additional activities. This will help limit how many swimmers your participant interacts with over the course of the summer. Registration Groups, Dates and Fees Summer Swim Club - $365 + $35 (BCSSA) = $400 Run Dates: May 1 to August 2021 Registration opens: March 22, 2021 (Existing Members) and April 6, 2021 (New Members) • Existing members are swimmers who have registered with the Nanaimo White Rapids for a summer season and those who have participated in Fall/Winter Maintenance. Siblings of existing members can also register at this time. • New members include those who are completely new to the club. • Multiple swimmer discount will continue with $25 off for each additional swimmer. • Registration Maximum: 180 O’Cat Swimmers - $230 + $35 (BCSSA) = $265 Run Dates: June 14 to August 2021 Registration opens: May 17, 2021 • Registration Maximum: 5* * Additional spaces will be added if not all summer swim club spots are taken. Alumni Group - $115 + $35 (BCSSA) = $150 Dates: May 1 to August 2021 Registration opens: March 22, 2021 • Swimmers aged 19+ who have swum with Nanaimo White Rapids in the past. • Group will be divided into 2 separately coached groups: 21 and under (youth sports guidelines) and 22+ (adult sport guidelines) • Will swim 3X weekly • Registration Maximum: 20 Youth and 10 Adult (until current PHO are updated) Coaches – Complimentary as part of employment renumeration • 2021 Summer Swim Club for Junior Coaches • Alumni Group for Senior, Asst Head Coach and Head Coach • Registration Maximum: 9 5
Adult Sunrise Swim* - $45 per session/per day (pro-rated to account for holidays) *Uses lesson admin/registration Run Dates: Session 1 - May 24 to June 24, 2021 Session 2 – June 28 to July 29, 2021 Registration Date: April 26th, 2021 • Swimmers will sign up for how many mornings they want to swim per week • Options include Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday • Holidays include Monday, May 24th and Thursday July 1st • Registration Cap: 30 swimmers per group (Cap may be reduced to 2 separately coached groups of 10 if current guidelines remain in place). Registration Maximum and Waitlist Due to COVID-19 restrictions and the need to socially distance in the pool, there will be a limit on how many swimmers we can accommodate this year. Once the registration maximum has been met, a waitlist will be established. It is possible that as the season unfolds, restrictions may be lifted and more spaces can be opened for additional swimmers. Waitlisted swimmers will be placed according to which groups have space. Swimming Assessments Assessments must be completed for all new swimmers and for all swimmers aged 8 and under who did not participate in fall maintenance 2020 or winter maintenance 2021. Swimmers must demonstrate that they can competently swim 15m, unassisted, in a recognizable stroke. This criterion will be strictly adhered to given the limited in-water support. If your child does not pass the swim assessment your fees will be refunded to you with exception of the non-refundable $35 BCSSA insurance fee. Please only register swimmers who you believe can meet the minimum requirement. Location: Kin Pool Dates: Saturday May 1, 2021 – 10am to noon Sunday May 2, 2021 – 10am to noon Age Locator Swimmers compete in a division based off their age. The table below will help you determine which division your child will be swimming in this season. Please note that group placement is NOT based off divisions (although it is one consideration) and groups may have a mix of divisions within each. 6
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Group Placement The first week of May has typically been an assessment week to give coaches time to evaluate swimmers and determine the most appropriate placement for them. This year the week will look slightly different. Swimmers will be given a schedule for the first week of practices but unlike previous years, swimmers will NOT be moved around during that week. This helps to reduce the number of contacts swimmers have and minimizes the risk of transmission related to COVID-19. Instead, coaches will use the week to observe and assess the swimmers and then the permanent summer swim groups will be released on Saturday, May 8th. The swimmers’ summer group placements are determined by the coaches. Multiple factors are taken into consideration including age, ability, maturity, social connections and group make-up. Swimmers will only be moved if the coaches determine that they are not in the most appropriate group. Due to COVID-19, these moves will be minimized. Coach/Swimmer Maximum Ratios Senior groups: 1 to 15 Intermediate groups: 1 to 10 Junior groups: 1 to 8 Development 1 & 2: 1 to 8 Development 3 & 4: 1 to 4 Senior and Intermediate groups will have a maximum of 5 swimmers per lane. Junior and developmental groups will have 4. Schedule Summer Swim Club: Groups will swim anywhere from 4 to 6 times a week depending on age and ability. Practices also vary in length from 45 mins to 90 mins (this includes a 15 to 30 minutes of dryland activation). Swimmers are encouraged to come as often as possible but are not required to attend every practice. Swimmers will not be permitted to attend a different group’s practices if they cannot attend their own. First Week: Group assessment schedule will be provided to families by April 24th. May-June: Schedule 1 will cover from May 10th to July 2nd. Schedule will be released on May 8, 2021. July-August: Schedule 2 will cover from July 5nd to August 6th. Schedule will be released on May 8, 2021. Post Regionals: This is unclear at this time, but our competitive swimmers may be invited to continue swimming into mid-August.
Alumni Group: This group will swim Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings from 9:15pm to 10:15pm. These days will not change and will run from May 3, 2021 to August 5, 2021 but time may be adjusted once final registration numbers are in. Adult Swim: There will be practices offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and participants can sign up for 1 to 4 practices per week. There will be 5 weeks per session and 2 sessions offered. Session 1: May 24, 2021 to June 25, 2021 Session 2: June 28, 2021 to July 30, 2021 Additional Offerings Drop-in Water Polo: Who: Any NWRSC 2021 Summer Member who can participate safely. Minimum suggested age is 10. Run Dates: May 28, 2021 to July 23, 2021 Day and Time: Fridays from 8:15 to 9:15pm (Time may be adjusted once schedule is finalized) Coach(es): Samantha Furneaux and Lee Vanden Ham Cost: Free Drop-in Artistic Swimming: Who: Any NWRSC 2021 Summer Member who can participate safely. Minimum suggested age is 7. Run Dates: May 27, 2021 to July 22, 2021 Day and Time: Thursdays from 8:15pm to 9:15pm (Time may be adjusted once schedule is finalized) Coach(es): Hannah Proud Blue & White Meets: Typically, we host 1 club meet in May but given the uncertainty of the competitive aspect of our season, we are looking at hosting different kinds of meets such as additional club meets, virtual meets with other clubs, etc. These will be highly dependent upon changing Public Health Orders. Club meets will look slightly different than in the past. We will likely have swimmers arrive at staggered times based off their division to minimize the number of participants present at any given time. Event specific COVID-19 safety plans will be created for each meet and developed closer to the time of the events to better reflect relevant Public Health Orders. These safety 9
plans will outline additional protocols to ensure safety off all participants, coaches and volunteers. Dates: Saturday May 29, 2021 Saturday June 26, 2021 Saturday July 10, 2021 Saturday July 24, 2021 Saturday August 7, 2021 Saturday August 21, 2021* *This meet will be by invitation only. Cost: $10 to $15 meet fee Blue & White Days: Blue & White Days will also look different than in past seasons. Every effort will be made to keep members in their respective swim groups to minimize the number of contacts they have. Each swim group will be divided into blue and white teams to add a little fun competition to the stations. Unfortunately, a large club wide game of capture the flag is unlikely this year due to COVID-19. Event specific COVID-19 safety plans will be created for each Blue & White day and developed closer to the time of the events to better reflect relevant Public Health Orders. These safety plans will outline additional protocols to ensure safety off all participants, coaches and volunteers. Dates: Wednesday May 19, 2021 Wednesday June 23, 2021 Wednesday July 28, 2021 Cost: FREE Mile Swims: Members will be invited to participate in 3 different mile swims where they are challenged to complete 64 lengths of the pool. Those who finish all lengths 3x will be honored with a “Triple Crown” award. Swimmers will swim with their regular swim group at a specified time and will have to complete their lengths within the time allotted to their group. Event specific COVID-19 safety plans will be created for each mile swim and developed closer to the time of the events to better reflect relevant Public Health Orders. These safety plans will outline additional protocols to ensure safety off all participants, coaches and volunteers. Times: 3:15pm to 8pm Dates: Wednesday June 2, 2021 Friday June 11, 2021 Thursday June 17, 2021 Cost: Free 10
Hell Week: All members are invited to participate in “Hell Week.” Swimmers will be divided into groups with every effort made to keep respective swim groups together and age- appropriate challenges will be offered each day of the week at different locations. Swimmers who attend all the daily challenges in addition to all their regular swim practices will earn the coveted “Hell Week” t-shirt. Event specific COVID-19 safety plans will be created for each Hell Week and developed closer to the time of the events to better reflect relevant Public Health Orders. These safety plans will outline additional protocols to ensure safety off all participants, coaches and volunteers. Dates: July 19, 2021 to July 23, 2021 Cost: Free Extra Group Activities: Groups will be invited to additional group activities over the summer, Public Health Orders permitting. Our senior groups are hoping for a midnight swim, intermediate groups are planning a day trip to Newcastle, junior groups will be invited on a special hike, and developmental groups will get together for a water-park day. We will also attempt to organize a club wide beach day at Rathtrevor in Parksville. Dates: Senior Midnight swim – July 3, 2021 Intermediate Newcastle Day - July 3, 2021 Junior Hike – June 12, 2021 Developmental Waterpark – June 19, 2021 Rathtrevor Beach Day – July 17, 2021 Public Swim: In past years, NWRSC members have been allowed to join Kin Pool public swim for free. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we will not be able to offer free public swim this year. Public swim will only be available to those who have pre-registered and pre-paid online. This benefit will return when the pandemic is declared over, and the walk-in public swim can resume. Coach in Training (CIT): The CIT program will run similarly to previous years and is available to all swimmers who are 13+ years old or turning 13 prior to December 31, 2021 (born in 2008 or earlier) and are interested in learning more about coaching. For the first four weeks, CITs are expected to attend one 45-minute classroom session per week. During the second 2-4 weeks, they will attend a weekly 45-minute classroom session in addition to shadowing a coach on the pool deck for one or more practices a week. Participants will learn about expectations, communication, group management, learning styles, stroke instruction and how to become role models for younger swimmers. Depending on how many participants would like to join and 11
relevant Public Health Orders at the time of the program, classroom sessions may be held in- person or virtually. Dates: Begins week of June 7, 2021 Duration: 6 – 8 weeks Lead Coach: Lee Vanden Ham Cost: Free Other Competitions It is unlikely that we will be able to host our Nanaimo Invitational Swim meet due to restrictions on gatherings. Nor is it likely that we travel to other clubs’ out of town meets as in previous years. BC Summer Swimming Association has released a Return to Competition Plan, and we will do our best to follow those guidelines as permitted by relevant Public Health Orders. Equipment We are encouraging all swimmers to acquire their own personal equipment especially swim fins, kickboards and pull buoys. This will help limit the procedures that must be followed for shared equipment. We plan to have many of these necessary items available for ordering from our online store. These items will likely be difficult to find in stock in Nanaimo. If swimmers are unable to purchase their own equipment, the club will make alternate arrangements. Anniversary T-shirt The Nanaimo White Rapids will be offering a selection of special raglan style ¾ length t-shirts to commemorate our 55th Anniversary. Shirts will be available in both youth and adult sizes for $25. New swimmers will not be offered a free t-shirt this year. Members will be able to order through the White Rapids online apparel store. NWRSC Apparel The online store is now open for certain items and additional items will be added over the next couple weeks. Ordering for select items will close May 14th and one order for the season will be placed. Due to COVID-19 restrictions there will be no sizing samples on site, but sizing charts will be available on the online store. These items will include any apparel items that are size specific. Currently researching new branded items that can be stocked and stored for purchase throughout the season. The items considered will offer sustainable options for our membership and great gifts, too. Will also keep items stocked such as caps, buffs, hopefully masks, as well as items that can be purchased on sale such as backpacks and parkas. 12
Fundraising Commitment Due to COVID-19 restrictions we will not be holding our traditional Community Day (Tag Day). Instead, we are having a raffle as our mandatory fundraising commitment. Raffle: Every family will be required to pre-pay for 20 raffle tickets at a cost of $100.00. This will be charged at the time of registration. • Prizes: 1st - $1000.00; 2nd - $500.00; 3rd - $250.00 • Draw will take place at Kin Pool on May 31st at 7pm • Families who sell an additional booklet of tickets will be entered in a draw for a $100 apparel credit. Other Fundraisers Pizza Coupons: Panago Pizza has generously donated 100 Medium Pizza coupons to the club to use for fundraising. We are asking all families to either purchase for themselves or sell the coupons to family and friends. • Coupons are $12 each. • Will be available for purchase through the NWRSC apparel online store and will be given to your swimmer at a subsequent practice. Bottle Drive: All families are expected to participate in the summer bottle drive. They can sign up for a sorting shift and/or bring a load (or more) to the bottle depot. • Date TBD • Location: Hayes Road Bottle Depot “Save a Tape”: Families are asked to save all their Country Grocer receipts. • Receipts can be handed to coaches and/or board members. • Country Grocer will donate a percentage of the totals back to the club in the form of gift cards. Volunteer Commitment At the present time, Public Health Orders do not allow for any gathering or spectators. If these orders remain in effect, volunteer hour requirements will be waived. Public Health Orders may change over the coming months and if volunteering becomes possible, the club needs you to operate successfully. We will draw on families for help and support. These hours may be reduced depending on when this activity can resume. Summer Swim Club Families - 10 hours or $300 (pro-rated for completed hours) O’Cat Families - 6 hours or $180 (pro-rated for completed hours) Alumni Swimmers/ Adult Sunrise Swimmers – No volunteer hours are required. 13
June 2021 May S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 20 Friday 21 22 23 24Saturday 25 26 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 293030 1 Assessment Day #1 10am to 12pm Staff Orientation 2 Season Starts! 3 4 5 6 7 8 Staff Safety Orientation Assessment Day #2 Week 1 Schedule for Group Placement and 10am to 12pm group placement May/June Schedule May 3 to 7 released. Staff Orientation 9 Staff Safety Orientation 10 11 12 13 14 15 Mother's Day May/June Schedule starts. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Blue & White Day #1 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Adult sunrise swim Victoria Day session #1 starts Blue & White Meet #1 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 Raffle Draw 7pm
July 2021 June S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 18 Friday 19 20 21 22Saturday 23 24 30 31 1 2 3 25 26 27 428 29 30 31 5 Mile Swim #1 Regular afternoon practices cancelled. Morning practices are on. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Mile Swim #2 Regular afternoon CIT Program Starts practices cancelled. Hike for Junior Groups Morning practices are on. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Mile Swim #3 Regular afternoon Welcome O’Cat Waterpark for practices cancelled. Swimmers to the pool! Developmental Groups Morning practices are on. 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Blue & White Meet #2 Last day of adult sunrise Father's Day Blue & White Day #2 swim session #1 Schedule #2 released 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 Adult sunrise swim session #2 starts 15
August 2021 July S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 27 28 29 30 1 29 30 31 2 3 Midnight swim for senior Canada Day groups. Last day of No swimming May/June Schedule Newcastle Trip for Intermediate groups. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Schedule #2 begins First day of July/August Blue & White Meet #3 Schedule. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Club Rathtrevor Beach Day 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Hell Week Blue & White Meet #4 July 19 to 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Blue & White Day #3 Last day of adult sunrise Club Spaghetti Dinner or swim session #2 Picnic if PHO allows 16
September 2021 August S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 1 2 3 4 5 26 27 28 629 30 7 Last Day of practice for BC Day certain groups (if Last Day of practice for Blue & White Meet #5 certain groups (if Regionals goes ahead on (if Regionals is cancelled) No Swimming Regionals cancelled) August 6th) 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Blue & White Meet #6 By Invitation ONLY (if Provincials is cancelled) 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 17
Appendix NWRSC Season 2021 Kin Pool COVID-19 Safety Plan Version 1 (March 2021) After an unexpected closure of Kin Pool in 2020, we are so excited to be back at our home pool for 2021! This safety plan is in line with the province’s Phase 2 Return to Sport Plan. This is a living document that will be updated regularly to align with changes as they are announced. Guiding Principles: 1. The health and safety of athletes, coaches, volunteers and their families is our number one priority. 2. The decision-making process is informed by gathering information from a variety of sanctioned and science-based sources. 3. NWRSC Board of Directors (Board) aims to be timely, thorough and transparent in its communication of programming during the COVID-19 pandemic. Decision to Proceed: Although BC is far from “back to normal,” businesses, schools, organizations and sports are all working hard to find ways to function within the “new normal” that this pandemic has mandated. The NWRSC was able to successfully run fall and winter maintenance programming at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and we are confident that with the guidance of our associated partners and the directions from our Public Health Office (PHO), we can continue to safely offer in-person swimming training to our membership. Key Safety Protocols (Our layers of protection): 1. Stay-at-home if you are sick: All members are asked to monitor for any symptoms of illness within their family and to stay home if any symptoms are present, even if it is a family member not participating in the program. All participants will be asked to pre-screen prior to arriving on site for their activity. Coaches will show a poster of COVID-19 symptoms (Appendix F) and confirm that the swimmers in their groups are symptom free. 2. Physical Distancing: Our PHOs have emphasized that physical distancing is our most powerful tool in minimizing the transmission of COVID-19 when we are meeting as a group. Therefore, our return to sport plan includes concrete measures and protocols to support our members in maintaining social distancing. 3. Masks: Masks have been mandated in all public indoor spaces and in outdoor spaces when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Coaches and swimmers will be asked to always wear masks, except when swimmers are in the water. Coaches in the water will wear face shields. 4. Hand Hygiene: Proper hand hygiene is another important defense in ensuring that we minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Our return to sport plan includes measures to ensure that proper hand hygiene can be maintained during activities. Coaches will also remind swimmers at the outset to cough/sneeze into their elbows. 5. Location: Public Health has clearly communicated that outside activities are less risky than those in indoor spaces and as such, we are excited that The City of Nanaimo has agreed to open outdoor Kin Pool this season.
6. Limiting participation: In order to ensure that we are able to maintain physical distance during our practices, we will be limiting participation to no more than 4 swimmers per lane in our junior and developmental groups and 5 swimmers per lane for our intermediate and senior groups. Risk Mitigation: • Each swimmer will be required to submit an electronic liability waiver that acknowledges the inherent risks of returning to sport. • Swimmers will also be asked to sign a NWRSC participation agreement. • NWRSC will ensure that these documents have been completed by each returning swimmer (or their parent in the case of minors) prior to getting in the pool. • NWRSC will follow all PHO guidelines, facility policies and procedures as well as guidelines from our provincial body, BC Summer Swimming Association. • The Province of BC has acted to extend COVID-19 liability coverage to organizations through the COVID- 19 Related Measures Act (CRMA). The regulation protects people (paid or volunteer) from proceedings for civil liability for damages resulting from transmission or exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. The regulation is retroactive to January 1, 2020 and will remain in force unless and until the CRMA is repealed. Participation: • Participation will be open to all existing members and any new members who meet the basic criteria of being able to swim a minimum of 15 meters unassisted in a recognizable stroke. This criterion will be strictly adhered to given the limited in-water support that can be provided. • If a swimmer is accepted in the club but demonstrates consistent safety issues such as lack of swimming ability or inability/unwillingness to follow safety protocols, they will be asked to withdraw and a pro- rated refund will be provided (not including BCSSA fee). • Swimmers who successfully register must review a video orientation, that will be provided via a YouTube link, prior to attending any in-water training or they will not be allowed to participate. • In order to participate, swimmers must also sign and agree to the NWRSC Participation Agreement (Appendix B) and the liability waiver (Appendix D) as well as agree to the NWRSC Expectations (Appendix C). Facility: • Our Season 2021 will take place at the Kin Pool located at 500 Bowen Rd. in Nanaimo’s Bowen Park. • The Kin Pool has a separate COVID-19 safety plan to address sanitization, building capacity, staffing requirements, first aid changes, lifeguarding protocols and safety matters related to pool operations. • During the NWRSC pool use times, the facility is only open to registered swimmers, coaches, Kin Pool staff and NWRSC Board of Directors. At this time, spectators are asked not to stay and watch their children or gather in the park. Parents can remain in their vehicles if they feel the need to stay near the pool. • An on-deck shower has been installed so that swimmers can rinse before entering the pool without entering the changerooms. • Changerooms will only be available for washroom use and no more than 3 swimmers will be allowed in each of the two washrooms at any time. • Water fountains will be closed but water bottles may be filled via the underneath tap, if absolutely needed. • Swimmers will be asked to bring and use their own equipment, if possible. Arrangements to use the Kin Pool equipment can be made. • Any used equipment will be dropped into specific bins and sanitized prior to next use. 19
• Swimmers must follow the marked directional path and follow staff direction throughout the facility. • Participants are asked to arrive no earlier than 10 minutes prior to their start time. • Swimmers will be entering the pool area through the “Entrance” gate. • Swimmers will exit through the designated “Exit” gate. • Hand sanitizer will be provided at the “Entrance” gate for swimmers to use. • All aquatic users are required to follow all facility policies, procedures and guidelines. • For facility map, please see Appendix E Registration: • Registration will open for our regular Summer Swim Club and Alumni Swimmers on March 22, 2021 for existing members and April 6, 2021 for new members. O’Cat swimmers can begin to register May 17, 2021. • When registering, participants will be required to sign a Liability Waiver (Appendix D) as well as the Participation Agreement (Appendix B). • Please only register swimmers who are capable of understanding and following the safety protocols outlined in this document. Orientation: • Each participant will be required to view an online orientation video prior to returning to in-water training. • Families will receive a link for a YouTube video. • In the orientation video, coaches will provide an overview of what to expect during the season, including: wellness checks, expectations, what to bring, how to move through the facility, etc. • All coaches will be required to participate in a comprehensive safety orientation with Kin Pool manager, Amanda Watkins. What to bring: • Swimmers are asked to limit the number of personal belongings they bring into the pool area. • Swimmers will be provided with an area to store their bags and other belongings. • Swimmers need to come dressed ready to swim and must bring their own goggles, cap (optional) and filled water bottle. • Goggles should be worn. • Swimmers are highly encouraged to acquire and use their own equipment including fins, kickboards and pull buoys. Arrangements will be made for those who are not in a position to be able to purchase. Drop off: • Swimmers should be dropped off at the pool no earlier than 10 minutes prior to their practice start time. Please wait in your vehicle until that time. • Participants must arrive with their swimsuits on and ready to swim. • As swimmers arrive, a coach or volunteer will take attendance and will show participants a poster of COVID-19 symptoms (Appendix H). Swimmers will be asked if they are experiencing any of the symptoms. Swimmers with no symptoms, may stay and participate in practice. If a swimmer acknowledges that they are experiencing any of the symptoms, they will be asked to return home and monitor their symptoms and encouraged to contact 811 for guidance. • All attendance records will be recorded daily and this information will be shared with Public Health if asked to do so. 20
• When swimmers enter the pool deck area, they will be required to use hand sanitizer and make their way to the bag drop off area while also following the direction of marked paths and keeping 2m distance from others. • Swimmers will get ready to get in the pool and will wait with their bag until they are instructed by their coach to proceed to the water. Swim Practice: • Group sizes will be dependent upon how many swimmers we have register for the summer season and will be organized into cohesive groups of similar age and ability. • Each lane will have limited participants in order to maintain social distancing protocols. o Developmental and Junior groups will max at 4 per lane. o Intermediate and Senior groups will max at 5 per lane. • Swimmers will circle swimming within each lane. Up on the left of the black line and back on the right side of black line within the same lane. See Appendix F • Coaches will inform swimmers of their specific “stop/rest” spot. See Appendix G • When practice ends, swimmers will wait in the pool until their coach directs them to move towards their bag area. • Swimmers will quickly dry off and then put their masks back on. They can then put on their clothes and/or jacket over their swimsuits while putting all personal items in their backpacks. • Changerooms will not be available for changing and can only be accessed for washrooms. • When swimmers are ready, they may leave the pool deck via the designated “Exit” gate. Pick up: • Parents are to arrive in a timely manner to pick up their swimmers and are to arrange a meeting spot with their swimmer(s). • Parents are NOT permitted to enter the pool deck area and are not permitted to use the bleachers, until Public Health Orders allow for spectators. • Participants are encouraged to sanitize any of their personal equipment after each use. Special Events: • This safety plan covers our typical daily operations; however, NWRSC often offers special events and activities. • A specific COVID-19 safety plan will be developed for any special event or activity that falls outside of regular practices (I.e. miles swims, blue & white days, blue & white meets, “Hell week”, group activities) • These plans will be developed closer to their actual date to ensure that plans are finalized with the most current Public Health Orders and guidelines in mind. First Aid: • If first aid is required, an on-duty lifeguard will be notified and asked to attend to the affected swimmer. • Coaches will provide any necessary support necessary and as directed by the lifeguard. Contact Tracing: • The Public Health Office has instructed that all pool owner/operators must have complete contact information from all users. • Attendance will be taken for each group and each practice. • All swimmers will be registered in our Team Unify database and will be assigned to a roster of their group name so that contact information can easily be provided to Island Health. 21
Illness and Positive COVID-19 Tests: • Please see Appendix A for our Illness and Positive Test Policy. 22
Appendix A: NWRSC ILLNESS POLICY Any swimmer, coach, parent or volunteer who has symptoms of COVID-19, has travelled outside Canada in the last 14 days OR has been asked to self-isolate from Island Health MUST STAY HOME AND SELF-ISOLATE for the full 14 days. Any swimmer, coach or volunteer who has a cold, influenza, or COVID-19-like symptoms should seek assessment by a health-care provider. A swimmer, coach or volunteer may still participate if a member of their household has a cold, influenza, or COVID19-like symptoms, provided the swimmer/ coach/volunteer is asymptomatic. It is expected the symptomatic household member is seeking assessment by a health-care provider. Swimmers, coach or volunteer who experiences seasonal allergies or other COVID-19-like symptoms, which are related to an existing condition can continue to attend swimming when they are experiencing these symptoms as normal. If they experience any change in symptoms, they should seek assessment by a health- care provider. Parents and caregivers must assess their child(ern)’s daily for symptoms of the common cold, influenza, COVID-19, or other infectious respiratory disease before sending them to swimming. Coaches and other volunteers must assess themselves daily for symptoms of the common cold, influenza, or COVID-19 prior to entering the pool. If a child has any symptoms, they must not enter the pool to swim. If a coach or volunteer has any symptoms, they must not enter the pool. If a swimmer, coach or volunteer is feeling sick with COVID-19 symptoms they should remain at home and contact Health Link BC at 8-1-1. If any swimmer, coach or volunteer tests positive for COVID-19 they must follow the direction of health officials. If a coach, volunteer or swimmer experiences symptoms of COVID-19 while at the pool, the symptomatic individual will immediately be separated and arrangements will be made for that individual to be picked up. Pool Management will be notified and will arrange the cleaning/disinfecting of any areas used by the symptomatic individual. 23
Appendix B: NWRSC Participation Agreement This agreement applies to all swimmers, coaches, board members, volunteers and family members while in attendance at any club activities. All participants agree to abide by the following points when entering any facility used by the club for club-based activities. Failure to comply with this agreement means that an athlete may be asked to discontinue attending with no financial compensation. ❏ I agree to symptom checks and will let my coach know if I am experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. ❏ I agree to stay home if I am not feeling well with any covid symptoms. ❏ I agree to wash my hands upon entering and exiting the facility using hot water and soap or hand sanitizer. ❏ I agree to maintain social distancing protocols and remain 6ft apart from others who are not a part of my bubble. ❏ I agree to not share any equipment with others. ❏ I agree to come to the pool ready to swim with all necessary personal equipment. Goggles SHOULD be worn. ❏ I agree to leave the facility in a timely manner and acknowledge that I am not permitted to use the facility change rooms or change on deck. ❏ I agree to abide by all of NWRSC, facility and Public Health Covid-19 policies and guidelines ❏ I understand that if I am unable to follow the points in this agreement, I may be asked to leave the program for a specific time or indefinitely. ❏ I understand that despite everyone’s best efforts to keep participants safe, it is not possible to entirely mitigate all risk. Swimmer’s Name: ___________________________________ Swimmer’s DOB/age _________________________________ Parent Name:______________________________________ Parent Signature (for minors): ________________________________ 24
Appendix C: NWRSC Expectations ● Parents, swimmers and coaches must stay at home and away from others if they or anyone in the family is showing any symptoms of illness. ● Parents, swimmers and coaches must stay at home if they become aware of having had contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. ● Parents and coaches are asked to review social distancing and hand hygiene routines with the participants. ● Parents must pick up and drop off their child(ren) at the assigned location(s) in a timely manner and will NOT be permitted inside the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre facility. ● Swimmers are expected to maintain the social distancing protocols and practice good hand hygiene to the best of their ability. ● Parents and coaches are always expected to model appropriate social distancing protocols. ● Swimmers will be asked to bring their own full water bottle and come dressed ready to swim. ● Coaches and swimmers are expected not to share any of their personal items or any equipment they were provided for the session. ● Swimmers must tell their coach if they begin feeling unwell at any point during the session. ● Participants must sanitize hands at check-in and when leaving the facility. ● Swimmers are asked to leave in a timely manner and are not permitted to use the change rooms or change on deck. ● Coaches are to notify either the head coach or a board member if they start to feel unwell during a session. ● Coaches are asked to self-monitor for any symptoms on a daily basis and contact the head coach at any sign of illness so that a replacement coach can be notified or the session can be cancelled. ● Coaches are expected to create a plan for their group activities that is conducive to maintaining social distancing. ● Coaches are asked to perform a group wellness check and review the rules of participation with the swimmers when they arrive and before starting any activities. 25
Appendix D: BC Summer Swimming - Indemnity Agreement (MINORS)(112368591.2) WARNING: READ CAREFULLY! THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING YOUR RIGHT TO SUE. YOU WILL AGREE TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR CERTAIN RISKS AND AGREE TO FULLY INDEMNIFY B.C. SUMMER SWIMMING ASSOCIATION AGAINST LEGAL LIABILITY FOR INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, ILLNESS AND DISEASE (INCLUDING COVID-19 ) BY SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT TRANSMISSION OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASE (INCLUDING COVID-19 ) IS AN INHERENT RISK ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR CHILD’S PARTICIPATION IN SWIMMING ACTIVITIES I, the undersigned Parent/Guardian, understand that this Agreement is a binding legal agreement. Any clarification or questions or concerns must be raised before signing. I understand that this Agreement is made for the benefit of B.C. Summer Swimming Association (the “Organization”) and its directors, officers, agents, representatives, employees, volunteers, members, participants, spectators, independent contractors, subcontractors, sponsors, successors and assigns, and other districts, leagues, clubs or associations (collectively, the “Releasees”). I understand that the Organization will not permit my minor child (the “Participant”) to participate in any swimming activities organized, offered, or sanctioned by the Organization (the “Activities”) unless and until this Agreement is signed by the Participant’s Parent/Guardian. In consideration of permitting the Participant to participate in the Activities, I acknowledge and agree to the following terms: 1. ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF RISKS: I understand that there are many risks associated with the minor Participant’s participation in the Activities (the “Risks”). I UNDERSTAND THAT COVID-19 IS A SIGNIFICANT HEALTH RISK AND CARRIES A HIGH RISK OF TRANSMISSION THROUGH PHYSICAL OR SHARED CONTACT. I acknowledge that the Risks include, but are not limited to, serious personal injury, death, property damage, illness and disease (e.g. communicable diseases including COVID-19 and influenza). I further acknowledge that I am in the best position to assess the impact that a communicable disease may have on the Participant or on others with whom the Participant may transmit such disease. Examples of the Risks include, but are not limited to personal injury, death, property damage, or illness resulting from: 26
● HEALTH: food and beverages, drowning, overexertion, dehydration, fatigue, traumatic injury, infections, rashes, and transmission of communicable diseases (including COVID-19 and influenza), bacteria, parasites or other organisms or mutations thereof. ● CONDUCT: the Participant’s conduct and conduct of other persons, including any physical altercation between persons. ● PREMISES: defective, dangerous or unsafe condition of the facilities; falls; collisions with objects, walls, equipment or persons; dangerous, unsafe, or irregular conditions in pools or other bodies of water or on surfaces; extreme weather conditions; and travel to and from premises. ● EQUIPMENT: mechanical failure of the equipment; negligent design or manufacture of the equipment; the provision of or the failure by the Releasees to provide any warnings, directions, instructions or guidance as to the use of the equipment; failure to use or operate the equipment within the Participant’s ability. I FREELY ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE RISKS. The Participant is being registered and participating in the activities voluntarily and willingly. ____________________________________ Signature of Parent/Guardian 2. WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY: I, the undersigned Parent/Guardian, hereby agree as follows: • I hereby waive any and all claims that I have or may have in the future against the Releasees in connection with the Participant’s participation in the Activities; and • I hereby release and forever discharge the Releasees from any and all liability for all loss, damage, expense, injury, death, property damage, illness or disease (e.g. communicable diseases including COVID-19 and influenza) that the Participant, I, my executors or administrators, or any other third party may suffer as a result of the Participant’s participation in the Activities due to any cause whatsoever, whether arising from the NEGLIGENCE of the Releasees, breach of any statutory or other duty (including but not limited to the Occupiers Liability Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 303), breach of contract, mistake or error of judgment of the Releasees, or otherwise. 3. INDEMNITY: I hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees from any and all damages, loss or expense (including legal costs) of any kind resulting from any and all claims, demands, causes of action of any kind whatsoever including those involving negligence on the part of the Releasees arising out of or connected with 27
the Participant's preparation for or participation in, or both, or travel to or from any of the activities, events and programs of the Releasees. 4. REPRESENTATIONS: I am not relying on any oral, visual or written representations or statements made by the Releasees with respect to the safety of the Activities other than what is set forth in this Agreement. 5. JURISDICTION: I agree that this Agreement and all terms contained within are governed by the laws of the Province of British Columbia. I hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of British Columbia. Any litigation in any way relating to the Activities or to the matters addressed in this Agreement must be instituted in the Province of British Columbia. 6. SEVERABILITY: If any provision (or part of any provision) in this Agreement is unenforceable, such provision (or part of such provision) shall be severed and shall be inoperative, and the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. I CONFIRM THAT I HAVE HAD SUFFICIENT TIME TO READ THIS AGREEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY, INCLUDING ALL OF ITS TERMS, THAT I FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL LEGAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT AND HAVE AGREED TO THE TERMS FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS AGREEMENT IS BINDING ON ME, MY EXECUTORS AND ADMINISTRATORS. ___________________________________________________ __________________________ Name of Participant (Please Print) Date of Birth ___________________________________________________ __________________________ Name of Parent/Guardian (Please Print) Date ___________________________________________________ Signature of Parent/Guardian 28
Appendix E: Site Map Parents and coaches are expected to model appropriate social distancing protocols at all times. Ble c er Facility ili i Entrance 29
Appendix F: Pool Layout and Flow Chart Swimming Pattern 30
Appendix G: Swimmer Social Distancing Stop Points On the wall (In Between Sets) At the end of sets, when swimmers are shown the white board and given verbal instructions on the next set, and are often taking off/putting on fins, etc. we try to have swimmers spread out to the flags or further in order to keep appropriate spacing. 31
Appendix H: Covid Symptom Poster
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