YMCA of Central Ohio: Swim Team 2020-2021 Season Cancellation | FAQ
Thank you for your continued patience and support of the YMCA of Central Ohio during these challenging times. We are working hard to answer questions and address concerns regarding the recent decision to cancel the 2020-2021 swim team. These Frequently Asked Questions and responses are compiled from a list of questions from emails, calls, and meetings with coaches, parents, and other stakeholders. We will continue to update as new information is available.
Updated: August 7, 2020
The cancellation of the 2020-2021 swim team season was a difficult decision and one we felt necessary due to the current safety restrictions and financial consequences that YMCA of Central Ohio is enduring as a result from the impacts of the Covid-19 virus.
We cannot continue this program currently due to current safety restrictions, which leads to significant financial loss for our organization.
Safety: The challenges of COVID-19 have forced us to rethink how we operate, we now have environments that are designed for the new social distancing requirements and a reservation system to regulate capacity in spaces like our pools. We are committed to following the guidance from local and state health agencies, which limit the number of swimmers per lane and reduce the number of program participants drastically. Safety was not the only factor in making this decision. As we have reopened facilities and programs, it has been with guidance from Franklin County Public Health and through the lenses of health & safety, organizational readiness and financial capacity.
Financial: The YMCA of Central Ohio is working hard to insure that we are able to serve the community through our shelter & housing services, childcare, and community centers by remaining financially viable. The current safety restrictions would cause our participant numbers to be reduced greatly in size. The combined expenses of a smaller team size in addition to staff time and other costs are estimated to project a significant loss per team at each YMCA during a time when we have lost millions of dollars in revenue due to COVID-19.
Summary: We want to provide as many services and amenities as possible in a safe and responsible way to members. Our YMCA continues to review and evaluate all that we offer at our locations, which many times has to balance the needs of several other programs with financial sustainability throughout the association.
According to the CDC’s website, there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread through swimming pools that are properly maintained. Taking part in a swim team extends beyond the pool and creates the need for additional social distancing in spaces and cleaning of ladders, deck space, locker rooms, showers, etc.
No. The competitive swim team program has been part of our organization for more than 20 years and is an important program that helps support our commitment to Youth Development. We know the swim team program gives children a boost in their confidence, helps them to build relationships and learn the importance of teamwork.
With the current restrictions placed on pools by Franklin County Public Health regarding the number of swimmers per lane, the number of program participants would be drastically reduced causing the operational costs of this program to be greater than the revenue, thus causing financial difficulty. We are committed to offering amenities and programs that are equitable, safe and with the guidance of Franklin County Public Health.
Yes. YMCA of Central Ohio is committed to restart the competitive swim team program as soon as possible and once we can meet the requirements of equity, health & safety, organizational readiness, and financial capacity.
At this time, we do not have a restart date. Our YMCA is committed to running a competitive swim team program in the future. We are hopeful to restart this program as soon as possible to meet the requirements of equity, health & safety, organizational readiness and financial capacity.
No. We are unable to provide virtual options at this time due to limited staff and resources.
We have considered this as an option, and we don’t believe this is possible right now due to current safety restrictions and financial constraints on our Y.
No. Together with our leadership team, including our Vice President of Operations and Director of Risk Management, we measured the health risks, organizational readiness and facility capacity before making this decision. Knowing our finances and the guidelines presented by Franklin County Public Health, it was clear to leadership that this program would not be a viable option financially as we have lost millions of dollars in revenue due to COVID-19. With any program evaluation, once it meets the financial, organization readiness, equity and safety parameters, we would then work with additional staff on execution.
All money in the swim team holding accounts will remain untouched.
Not at this time. Our swimming pools are operating under a member only reservation process for lap swimming and family swim. The YMCA is committed to operating the pools under current guidance from local health agencies, which limits large group usage to ensure social distancing. As we move through this pandemic, we are regularly meeting to review our reopening plan for operations, including programs and rentals to the schools.
Yes, if you are a YMCA member. If you are searching for pool time, our pools are open for lap swimming and you have access to any pool across our association. We encourage you to make a reservation for your swimmer in one of our pools, where they can swim either alone or with a family member who resides within the same household. Reservations can be made up to 72 hours in advance and are all done online by visiting www.ymcacolumbus.org/schedules.
Not at this time. Our swimming pools are operating under a member only reservation process for lap swimming and family swim. The YMCA is committed to operating the pools under current guidance from local health agencies, which limits large group usage to ensure social distancing. As we move through this pandemic, we are regularly meeting to review our reopening plan for operations, including programs and rentals to the schools. We are hopeful high school swimming can continue in our pools, and we will continue to collaborate with our partners through the challenges that the Coronavirus continues to bring our way as an organization and community.
The logistics for operating group exercise classes, family pod swimming and resident camp all successfully meet the criteria of health & safety, organizational readiness and financial capacity. Together we have worked with our local health agencies to ensure we can run these programs in a safe, yet financially sustainable manner while also serving members.
For more questions, please reach out to ycoaquatics@ymcacolumbus.org and we are available for more conversation regarding this important program.