Update on VGCA pool season

The VGCA Board worked hard during the past 4 weeks trying to come to an agreement on how to best open the pool and provide a safe and enjoyable pool season for Village Green. We have determined that our best option for opening this season was for the VGCA to self manage the pool.

What does this mean? It means we will need to find certified lifeguards and handle the chemicals and maintenance of the pool and pool pump room on our own. Currently, there is a shortage of certified lifeguards in the Hampton Roads area due to COVID-19 and Emergency Orders 53 and 61. We are doing our best trying to identify and interview available certified lifeguards. Without enough lifeguards or volunteers, we CANNOT open the pool.

What is needed to open?

• certified lifeguards.
• pass pool inspection performed by the Health Dept.
• abide by Governor’s Emergency Orders.
• volunteers to help with pool preparation (cleaning the deck, remove the cover, filling the pool, and getting the pumps running).
• volunteers to help with lifeguard interviewing, hiring, and management throughout the season.
• volunteers to assist with pool maintenance throughout the season.
• volunteers to help close and cover the pool in the September.

When will the pool open? Assuming we enter into Phase 2 or some modified version of Phase 1 which enables recreational pool usage, we hope to open by June 19th (possibly sooner).

What will be the pool hours? We will try to provide the same operating hours as we have in prior seasons (closed Mon, opened Tues thru Sun 1-8pm). This is all dependent upon our ability to hire enough certified lifeguards. No HRA on Tuesdays and Thursdays this year.

How will social distancing and safety be accomplished? We will follow all local and State orders with regards to operating our pool and will consider all recommendations on pool operations provided by the CDC. Initially and based on CDC guidelines and what might be Virginia Phase 2 guidelines, we intend to:

• remove all furniture and allow patrons bring their own.
• remove the diving board.
• prohibit the use of pool toys, balls and devices that are shared.
• allow floats for single use only.
• open the baby pool and allow one family or “pod” at a time.
• have a maximum of 27 swimmers in the pool at one time.
• have a maximum of 48 patrons (and 2 lifeguards) in the pool area.
• allow only one person in a bathroom at at time.
• provide hand sanitizer stations.
• require showers before entering the pool.
• post CDC designed signage with regards to COVID-19.

As things change in Virginia, the VGCA Board will review and make the appropriate decisions on restrictions/practices we have in place.

How can you help us with the pool?

• Volunteer.
• Find us certified lifeguards and pass their info onto the VGCA board.
• Become a VGCA pool member.
• Be supportive to VGCA and our volunteers.
• Continue to practice social distancing while at the pool or in the park.
• Volunteer more.
• Be flexible with us and understand we are all trying to adapt to the “new normal” and self manage the pool for the first time in many years.

Will there be a swim team this year? No, BUT we intend to have a VG Swim Team Boot Camp with Coach Amy. Tentatively, set for June 29 through July 24 Mon-Fri in the morning like swim team practice.