Here is a message from Coach Matt. He is addressing the USA Nadadores team but he did mention Stroke and Turn (it will still be this Tuesday and Thursday). Hope to see lots of Lakers out for Stroke and Turn!!!

Hello Lakers!

I know there is a great deal of discussion about COVID-19 right now, and it definitely has impacted all of us in many ways. Because swimming is an important part of all of our lives, I wanted to update you on what USA Swimming has indicated for our practices. USA Swimming has cancelled all swim meets for March, and April meets are on hold at the moment. Practices have been left up to the individual teams. Because we practice in an outdoor pool with extremely good ventilation with a not very crowded environment, it appears that we have the best possible venue for our sport. Therefore, we are going to continue to practice ( as well as the Stroke and Turn clinic) at regular times until further information indicates that we should not practice at all. Obviously the decision to practice or not rests with your family, and you need to decide what is in the best interest of your swimmers. This continues to be a dynamic situation, so I will be in touch on a regular basis.

Below is a statement released by USA Swimming that I thought I would share with you: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update By USA Swimming | Thursday, March 12, 2020 Dear USA Swimming Members, Over the course of the last seven days, let alone the last 24 hours, the coronavirus (COVID-19) has prompted unprecedented changes within the world of sport. Our leadership team has been meeting daily to discuss the most up-to-date information and the associated effects on our membership. In prioritizing the health and wellness of all our members, as of March 12, USA Swimming has made the decision to suspend all our events, camps, conferences, or any occasion that requires individuals to travel and gather for the next 30 days. We also strongly recommend that our Local Swimming Committees (LSC) and clubs suspend all USA Swimming sanctioned competitions across the country for the next 30 days. Further information about the TYR Pro Swim Series at Mission Viejo, an officially approved FINA qualifying competition for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, will be shared within the next few days.

We continue to stress the importance of preventing the spread of infection and share the following information being circulated by healthcare officials: 

1. Avoid getting closer than six feet to anyone coughing or sneezing; 

2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that has 60-95% alcohol. This is especially important after going to the bathroom, before eating, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing; 

3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; 

4. Cover your mouth with a tissue or your elbow if you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash, and then wash your hands;

5. Stay home if you are sick, and away from the pool and from fellow team members; 

6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly;

7. Monitor the WHO and CDC websites for travel advisories and follow their recommendations.

As far as the Huntsville Nadadores are concerned, all of their points are important but I want to reiterate #5, as we do not want your swimmers in the water if they are not feeling well for any reason. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I look forward to seeing everyone at the pool in the near future!

Coach Matt