‘A Scary Summer’ for Delaware County’s Swim Clubs Under Pandemic Restrictions

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This scene at the Delco Swim League Meet of Champions last July would not meet current social distancing requirements. Image via submitted photo to the Daily Times.

The coronavirus pandemic has changed swim clubs and swimming as we know it, writes Matthew DeGeeorge for the Daily Times.

“If it goes to the worst-case scenario,” Aronimink Swim Club president Jim Leitz said, “I think it’s going to be a scary summer.”

Delaware County has three swim leagues—Delco League, the Intra-County League and the Suburban Swim League—a total of 38 clubs.

First off, does the Pennsylvania recognize swim clubs as a business that should be open?

Pools aren’t mentioned in Pa. Gov. Wolf’s plan to reopen Pennsylvania. Even so, Delaware County remains in the forbidden red zone of COVID-19 cases.

If the region were to move to a less restrictive yellow over the summer, swim clubs could open, depending on how they’re defined.

If swim clubs are seen as gyms or health clubs, they stay closed. If an outdoor activity or a camp, they could open.

Clubs want clarification. There’s a petition and lobbying effort underway to get that clarity.

“These are all uncharted waters for us,” Leitz said. “And we’re trying to guide it the best we can without putting anyone in jeopardy.”

Read more about how swim clubs are trying to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic here.

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