By: Jayme Deerwester, Veronica Bravo, and Curtis Tate
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE: HOW TO STAY SAFE FROM CORONAVIRUS AT THE POOL AND AT THE BEACH
What to bring to the pool or beach
Don't forget your mask, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. Also, grab your own towel and your own beach toys or swimming gear.
Mask up – until you dive in
The CDC suggested that pool operators "encourage the use of cloth face coverings as feasible," noting that they are "most essential in times when physical distancing is difficult." However, it's not advised for swimmers to wear masks in the water because they're difficult to breathe through when they're wet.
Stay 6 feet apart, in and out of the water
The CDC also suggested that pool operators change the layout of their seating areas so that patrons can remain 6 feet away from anyone outside their household. While in the water, swimmers should keep the same distance from anyone they are not quarantining with.
Cover those coughs
The CDC instructed pool operators to encourage all staff and patrons to wash their hands and cover coughs and sneezes. People can spread the virus whether they show symptoms or not.
Wipe down frequently touched surfaces
At the pool, high-touch areas should be regularly disinfected, but pool- and beachgoers can also use disinfectant wipes to be extra safe. The virus doesn't live long in water, especially when the water has been treated with chlorine.
Don't share goggles and other gear
The sharing of pool equipment that touches the face and is difficult to disinfect – such as goggles and snorkels – is discouraged, even among patrons from the same household. Any other gear should not be shared with people from outside your home.