Dear Governor Cuomo,

My name is Delaney Pece and I am an 8th Grader that has been on my HS Varsity swim team since 7th Grade. I also swim club team with the Patriot Swim Team in Beacon, New York. I have swam competitively since I was six years old.

I along with other competitive swimmers in New York have not been able to train since mid-March. All of our championship meets that we trained so hard for were cancelled. Without the use of public pools, we now have  nowhere to train. 

Swimming is a unique sport in that once we  stop training for more than two weeks, we begin to lose endurance and our technique suffers. It’s been almost 9 weeks so we are getting desperate to get back in the pool. We need to start training so we can build up everything we have lost in the past two months.

If you close public pools, which I hope you do not, can you please consider letting local swim teams throughout the state use outdoor  public pools for lap swimming. This can be done safely with guidelines set in place to keep everyone healthy. We can get our training in and county pools can earn some revenue. Our coaches will make sure that we follow social distancing and anything else needed to keep every swimmer safe.

The CDC website states, “There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas, or water play areas. Proper operation and maintenance (including disinfection with chlorine and bromine) of these facilities should inactivate the virus in the water.” https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/water.html

 Here is USA Swimming Guidance on how to stay safe https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/usa-swimming-presents-clubs-with-safe-ways-to-return-to-practice 

There can be safe measures taken, using precautions, to achieve this. We just need the ability to use our local public pools. We need you to understand that our coaches are trained professionals and will act accordingly.

The CDC has released "Considerations for Public Pools, Hot Tubs, and Water Playgrounds During COVID-19".

Public aquatic venues can be operated and managed by:
-> city or county governments
-> apartment complexes
-> membership clubs (for example, gyms)
-> schools
-> waterparks
-> homeowners’ associations

From the CDC: "All decisions about implementing these considerations should be made locally, in collaboration with local health officials. Operators of public aquatic venues can consult with local officials to determine if and how to implement these considerations while adjusting them to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the local jurisdiction. Their implementation should also be informed by what is feasible, practical, and acceptable."

I appreciate everything you are doing to keep us informed and safe in NY. Our coaches will make sure that everyone stays safe in the pool and follows all CDC guidelines. 

Sincerely,

Delaney Pece, member of the Patriot Swim Team