Splashbacks 2020 – May-June: Safe Practices and Pool Reopening in the COVID-19 Era
We hit the midway point of our 2020 review of the most-popular Swimming World stories with more from the COVID-19 pandemic. Shocking, right? Yes, we also wish these stories didn’t show up so prevalently, but that has been the tale of this past year. While the most-popular stories from March and April concerned how the pandemic was shutting down the sport, several of the articles from May and June focused on conducting safe practices in a pandemic environment.
Previous Splashbacks
Away we go with the leading stories on Swimming World from the fifth and sixth months of the year.
1. As Swimmers Return to Water, Chlorine Alone Cannot Succeed; Other Measures Critical
A study of pool safety by Dr. Vincenzo Romana Spica, of Italy, discussed the importance of chlorine against the spread of the COVID-19 virus. However, major emphasis was also placed on pools being diligent in their maintenance and ensuring that individuals practiced social-distancing guidelines while guests of a pool.
2. Is Your Pool Following Safe Guidelines During Covid-19 Pandemic? Check Here to be Sure
Photo Courtesy:
With pools in several locales around the United States reopening during the middle of the year, the Pool Management Group put together a guide to help pools ensure they were opening in a safe manner. This article and the recommendations by the PMG allowed readers to determine if their pool was following proper protocols.
3. Coronavirus And Swimmers: CDC Issues Guidance On Water Transmission & COVID-19
An article that originally appeared in March remained a favorite of readers, due to its focus on the transmission of COVID-19 in water. Obviously, the readership wanted to arm itself with as much information as possible to feel comfortable with returning to pools and their swimming regimens.
4. Ian Thorpe: “Everyone in the World is Swimming the 200 Freestyle Wrong” (Video)
Ian Thorpe – Photo Courtesy: Swimming World Archive
Based on an interview Ian Thorpe gave to the Inside With Brett Hawke Podcast, this article focused on Thorpe’s assertion that today’s world-class 200 freestylers were not approaching the event in the most beneficial way. Specifically, Thorpe stated that athletes were not attacking the early part of the race with enough vigor.
5. 5 Difficult Decisions Swimmers Will Be Expected to Make
From when to leave the sport as a competitor to making nutrition choices, this article focused on some of the tough decisions swimmers will be forced to make during their days in the pool. When to walk away received the greatest pushback from readers, as they noted that Masters swimming always remains as an option.
6. Coaches Reveal the Funniest Excuses They Have Ever Heard
We have all heard excuses during our lives that are almost beyond belief, and the coaches who shared some of their favorites in this article delivered gems. One of the beauties from the piece was a swimmer who was so disturbed by bad dreams that he couldn’t make it the next morning.
7. With Home-Built Lane Shields, Alaskan Club Back in Water and Safely Fighting Covid-19
Photo Courtesy: Northern Lights Swim Club
The Northern Lights Swim Club in Alaska got creative in order to keep practices going during the pandemic. Coaches at the club constructed plexiglass shields in the lanes that separated swimmers and, therefore, cut down on the possibility of transmission of the coronavirus.
8. California Swimming Sees Hope As State Re-Opening Hits Phase 2
The state of California has a rich swimming tradition, but COVID-19 caused different outcomes for swimmers – dependent on where athletes resided. When the state’s Phase Two of reopening was announced and began being implemented, there was a sense of optimism that practices would resume.
9. Swimming for Dummies: Stop Asking us These 6 Questions
In an article that elicited chuckles, readers heard some of the most annoying questions that are asked of swimmers. One of the questions frequently asked is, “Want to race? I bet I can beat you.” Clearly, some folks just don’t have a grasp on how skilled swimmers actually are.
10. Mission Viejo and Mark Schubert Splash Again Under Strict Social-Distancing Guidelines
While most California clubs were shut down due to COVID-19, Hall of Fame coach Mark Schubert received approval from the city of Mission Viejo to operate socially distanced practices. Because Mission Viejo is a private club and had the city on its side, it had some wiggle room to get back in the water.