Pools taking COVID-19 measures, now turn to water safety

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — From disinfecting tables to wearing masks to the pool, it’s a new normal for families trying to cool off this summer.

Steve Reynolds just joined the Starclaire Recreation Club, a new pool that just opened.

“We’re here just about every day. It’s been awesome,” Reynolds said.

He said he’s been following all rules. Still, he said he’d be a little worried if the pool reaches capacity Saturday.

“It depends on the crowds. It’s too crowded we’ll probably stay away for a day and come back during the week,” Reynolds said.

Jeff Gaeckle, owner of Carolina Pool Management and the new Starclaire Recreation Club, said his team has been working hard to reopen their 150-plus pools in the Charlotte area. He said now that COVID-19 protocols are in place, he wants to focus on pool safety. He’s reminding parents that children who can’t swim should be wearing a coast-guard-approved life jacket or float at all times.

“Unfortunately, everything has been about protecting ourselves from COVID, but a swimming pool is no different this year than years past. They’re dangerous places to be if you don’t respect the water,” Gaeckle said.

Since May, the company has trained more than 250 lifeguards. Swimming lessons will not start until mid-July, which means kids haven’t had the chance to practice. For Reynolds, who has a 6- and 2-year-old, he’s waiting to see what that will look like.

“That was one of the reasons we joined the club is to do the swim lessons. We’ll kind of see what kind of protocols they’ll put in place as far COVID and all that kind of stuff. If we feel safe, we will definitely get the kids enrolled in that,” Reynolds said.

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