The Bryan Aquatic Center will reopen to patrons on a limited basis beginning July 6. The BAC will open to guests at least 18 years and older to participate in lap swimming and certain programs only; there will be no recreational pool use at this time.
“The health and safety of our guests and staff members has always been our number one priority when opening our pools and offering programs to the people in our community. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges in all facets of our lives and our city pools are no exception,” said Parks & Recreation Director Linda Cornelius. “While we are excited to be reopening the Bryan Aquatic Center to the community the reality of our local COVID-19 activity means that our guests will see significant changes to how the facility is operated, staffed, and programed. These changes are necessary to allow us to open safely, both for our guests and our staff members. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time and ask for your continued support as we reopen.”
Updated rules and guidelines include:
- Only guests who are at least 18 years of age may reserve a lap lane and lap swim.
- Guests must reserve a time slot in advance to use the facility; only one-time slot per guest per day.
- Guests will be required to complete a COVID-19 screening before being admitted to the facility.
- Everyone must maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing at all times.
- Guests are encouraged to spend the least amount of time possible in locker rooms and restrooms and will be required to wear face covering while indoors.
A full list of updated guidelines is available on the city of Bryan’s website.
The changes to the BAC’s operation have been developed through significant research and guidance from organizations such as the American Red Cross, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Recreation and Parks Association, Texas Department of State Health Services, Brazos County Health District, Texas Recreation and Park Society, and the Texas Public Pool Council.
Enhanced Health and Safety Measures BAC staff takes the job of protecting guests very seriously and have implemented enhanced health and safety measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the facility.
- Staff will undergo daily temperature checks and health screenings
- Staff are only permitted to remove their face covering when on stand, in the water for training or rescues, and when they are outside and able to maintain 6 feet of physical distancing.
- Two additional staff members will work per shift to ensure all high-touch surfaces are properly cleaned and disinfected.
- Allowing a 30-minute gap between lap swimming time blocks so staff can clean and sanitize between guests.
“We want to make sure we’re transparent with our training process during this time so that our guests can make informed decisions about utilizing the pool,” Cornelius said.
Reserving a Lap Swimming Lane All lap swimmers must reserve a 45-minute time block and lane prior to their arrival at the BAC. This can be done online or by calling (979) 209-5528. A list of time blocks is available on the city’s website.
This process will allow staff to ensure that only one swimmer is allowed per lane per time block. To start with, patrons may reserve one time block per day. Swimmers will have 45 minutes to swim and 15 minutes to exit the facility before cleaning will begin for the next time block.
Full lap swimming rules and regulations are available on the city’s website.
Courtesy of City of Bryan Communications and Marketing
