Community pool opens for summer

“Come in your suit and bring your own towel,” says Pat Rowe.

The community pool reopened on Saturday, July 4. Sandwiched between the Kiddie Parade and the LVFD fireworks, the reopening drew a loyal crowd. Rowe hopes they remain in a cooperative mood through the closing day in mid-August.

“There are many new rules we must follow to stay open,” she said. “We can allow no more than 50 people at a time. We have to follow the six-foot distance rule, including in the water.” Social distancing would not be possible in the baby pool, so it will remain closed.

What does social distancing look like? It may help to look at some real-life examples. 

The average height of a refrigerator is six feet. So is the length of a mattress or the height of a high school locker. Two Golden Retrievers lined up nose to tail would amount to just over 72 inches or six feet.

The CDC based its distancing recommendations on the idea that most respiratory droplets fall to the ground within six feet.

On opening day, dozens of people relaxed on benches scattered around the Olympic-sized pool.

They kept their distance from everyone except family members. When not swimming, they wore face coverings. Still, the water felt cool and refreshing as temperatures climbed into the nineties.

“It’s so great the Rowes were able to open,” said a longtime Lovelock resident. “Summer wouldn’t be summer without the pool. I came here when I was growing up. Today I’m bringing my daughter for her first swim of the season.”

Swimmers must arrive in their bathing suits and bring their own towels. They’ll find hand sanitizer at the entrance. Rowe encourages frequent hand washing. They won’t find swim toys due to COVID-19 restrictions on sharing items, including goggles.

“The only goggles will be your own,” said Rowe. “No sharing. People not swimming must wear a mask. Swimmers cannot wear masks in the pool. Anyone who feels sick should stay home.”

The shower room is open only for quick showers and restroom use, not storage.

Lessons begin on July 13 at 10 a.m. “We have 10 lifeguards and no guard can have more than one person except the swimmers,” says Rowe. “Those swimmers must be able to swim in the deep end on their own.”

She’ll limit the number of students according to their age and proficiency in the water. Babies and non-swimmers under four years old must have a parent in the pool with them.

“We cannot save any leftover items and have to throw them away, so please check your area before leaving,” said Rowe. “We know this is hard, but at least we get to swim and we want to keep everyone safe.”

On the Fourth of July, people seemed to take the changes in stride. Most managed to visit with their friends even at a distance of two Golden Retrievers standing nose to tail.

For updates, visit Pat Rowe’s Facebook page.

Fast facts about the 2020 pool season

   • Regular hours began July 6 and will end in mid-August. The pool is open seven days a week from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Sundays are for rentals. As of press time, July 19 and 26 were still available.

    • Aquasize and lap swimming are at noon or 6 p.m.

    • Lessons begin on Monday, July 13, at 10 a.m.

    • One-month family passes cost $90. Individual passes are $40 for children and seniors. For all others they cost $50.

Six-footers: 

Things that measure six feet 

in height or width

Adapted from mercurynews.com; Mar. 24, 2020

• An average sedan

• A sofa

• A moose’s antlers

• A door

• Two Golden Retrievers standing nose to tail