ASCTA/Swim Australia release Coronavirus guidance for swim schools

The Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA)/Swim Australia has advised that it "is working tirelessly to provide the most up to date information" to swim schools, during "a tumultuous and confusing time for everyone with lots of conflicting information being distributed".

In a communication to stakeholders, ASCTA Chief Executive, Brendon Ward stated "each swim school will have their own unique circumstances relating to decision making on staying open or ceasing operations but the most important thing is to stay well informed by your particular state health department and local government council recommendations.

"When making a decision, refer to the Stage 1 restrictions announced by the Government ... and the details from the stimulus package announcement (on Sunday)."

Referring to announcements by governments on the closure of 'non-essential' services, Ward advised that closures of indoor facilities "also apply to outdoor spaces associated" with these venues.

Having "been asked by multiple swim schools to provide a definitive response on whether to stay open or not", Ward added "given the number of different circumstances and situations for swim schools, it would be irresponsible for us to do this.

"However, I do acknowledge the many swim schools in our industry who have shown great leadership and resolve in closing their swim schools."

For those swim schools that are contemplating staying open, Ward offered the following questions to consider:

• Do you really want to expose yourself to the risk of spreading or contracting the virus?
• What is the public perception of your swim school staying open amid other closures?
• What longer term impact(s) might there be from clients (either way) of staying open?
• What other ways can you keep clients engaged during a shut-down period?
• Are you an essential service?
• Does your DA classify your facility as sporting or educational?
• How does your decision correlate with advice from state premiers (e.g. NSW – schools are open but parents have the option of keeping children at home)
• If your facility is owned, operated or leased from a local authority, check with them before doing anything.

Offering links to health information in each state/territory, Ward concluded "please carefully consider the above information in your own context with a view to keeping your staff, clients and community safe."

ACT - health.act.gov.au/about-our-health-system/novel-coronavirus-covid-19
NSW - www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx
Northern Territory - coronavirus.nt.gov.au/
Queensland - www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19
South Australia - www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/health+topics/health+topics+a+-+z/COVID+2019
Tasmania - www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/publichealth/communicable_diseases_prevention_unit/infectious_diseases/coronavirus
Victoria - www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Western Australia - ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus

ASCTA also encourages stakeholders to keep watching its live online feeds via Facebook and ASCTA Connect to stay informed and connected.