POOL

If city pools open this summer, masks, gloves will be part of the new normal

If city pools and splash pads open this summer, swimmers could see lifeguards with masks and gloves, more frequent cleaning in locker rooms and entrance limits to maintain social distancing.

Public pools remain closed, but they are included in Gov. Ned Lamont’s second phase of reopening, tentatively set to start June 20.

“We’re not going to open the pools up until we get further into late June or July ... if we open them at all,” said Bill Dixon, New Haven’s

deputy director of parks.

“In my opinion, being in the water is the safest place to be, we just need to ensure that the rest is safe,” said Susan vonRabenstein, Orange’s aquatics supervisor. The precautions needed could be similar to those taken at gyms and sports clubs, also set for the second phase of reopening.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “there is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas, or water play areas. Proper operation and maintenance (including disinfection with

Erik Trautmann / Hearst Connecticut Media file photo Norwalk Recreation & Parks swim instructor Mateo Roldan helps Zuhayr Estime, 6, return to the pool edge on June 20, 2019.