CDC: Yes, It’s Safe to Swim, But Do It Carefully

Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to summer and some will want to jump into swimming pools. Are they safe during the pandemic?

The Centers for Disease Control has released guidelines to help make sure your pool visit is as safe as it can be.

The CDC posted on its website, “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.”

That doesn’t mean that it’s “back to normal” though. Guidelines include keeping a mask on until you get in the water, maintain physical distancing in and out of the pool, so sharing of goggles or other equipment, and keeping high touch surfaces clean. Basic stuff.

The CDC isn’t recommending any wide-sweeping closures. They say the decision to open pools will be made locally. To read the in-depth guidelines for swimming and how to operate a public water recreation facility, check out the CDC’s website.