AGUA Masters Weekly Newsletter |
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Welcome Back, AGUA Masters! |
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It is the highlight of my last six months to be able to write to all of you and say we are back. I have missed the smell of chlorine, the feel of a pool deck, and the energy of athletes. I have missed all of you. Like many of you, this has been the longest period of my life that I have been out of a pool. I am so glad to be back. Things are going to be different, but I'm confident that together we will be better than ever!
One of the primary differences is that practices will now be scheduled through an online reservation system. One practice reservation may be made per day, and can be done up to one week in advance. In addition, as of October 1, 2020, all AGUA Masters members are automatically granted passport access. With this upgrade to your membership, you are now welcome to reserve time in the fitness centers and pools at both our Upper East Side and Battery Park City locations. You may also attend Masters practices at either location.
Training begins October 1, 2020. Reserve your spot here:
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AGUA Masters Virtual Team Meetings |
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To ensure a smooth and safe return to the pool, please join AGUA Masters for one of two virtual team meetings on Monday and Tuesday.
We'll be addressing things like:
- Social distancing at practice
- Locker room use
- Face coverings
- Practice schedule
- Upcoming Masters competitions, and more.
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At the meetings we will review what the "new normal" will look like for AGUA Masters. In addition to updated safety procedures, some of our new normal will include wonderful things. We have added more practice sessions to the Upper East Side schedule. We are also implementing Team Unify, a software platform that will make connecting as a team easier than ever. Through this upgrade you gain better communication tools, video and workout sharing, easy connectivity to US Masters Swimming meets, and more. We are excited and can't wait to share the details. See you there! |
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First-in Swim for a Cause: RSVP Deadline Extended! |
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First-in Swim for a Cause is on Wednesday, and we'd love to see you there. Join Olympian Lia Neal and Stanford University swimmer KC Moss for an exclusive dip in our pristine pools and support a good cause. Proceeds from your private 50-meter lane go to swim scholarships for kids in need. RSVP by contacting Nancy Young at 646-981-2345. |
This event supports the Swim for the Future Scholarship, created in honor of two of our team members–Andrew Fisher and Doug Irgang–who tragically lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Since 2001, over $700,000 in scholarships has been awarded to deserving swimmers on the AGUA Swim Team. |
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We start training on Thursday, October 1, 2020. The first weeks will focus on aerobic conditioning, reacclimatizing to the water, and rebuilding swim strength. We will gradually increase distance and intensity over time. The forced break from swimming may have taken a toll, but I fully anticipate we will be back to our old selves by Thanksgiving. |
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- All persons entering Asphalt Green are required to complete a daily health screening prior to arrival. Daily health screenings will be emailed to when you reserve practice time. It can also be found online.
- Please arrive on time and exit the facility promptly at the end of practice. You will be permitted five minutes before and after your reserved practice time to enter and exit the facility.
- Swimmers are required to wear face coverings when traveling to and from the pool deck. Face coverings may only be removed when the swimmer is entering the water. Swimmers are responsible for bringing their own plastic bag to store their face covering in designated areas on the pool deck.
- Pool deck traffic flow is redirected per City mandate.
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Towel service is discontinued. Masters must bring their own towels as needed. Towels are available for purchase.
- Swimmers should arrive in swim gear and avoid use of locker rooms. The steam room, sauna, and showers are unavailable. An on-deck shower is available for a pre-swim rinse. Deck changing is prohibited.
- There is no shared equipment (kick boards, fins, paddles, etc.) in the pool. You are welcome to bring your own equipment. Please note that athletes are not permitted to store equipment or other personal belongings at the facility; however, if you currently rent a locker, you have access to it. New locker rentals are not available during this first phase of reopening.
- Pool and water cleaning systems are fastidiously maintained, including disinfection with chlorine. A UV filtration system also disinfects our pools.
- BioOx air purification system installed on the pool deck removes chlorine particles and improves air quality. The recently installed CASPR air filtration system neutralizes aerosolized viruses, including COVID-19.
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Do I have to be a member of Asphalt Green to swim with AGUA Masters?
- Yes. COVID-19 has reshaped our industry. We were forced to make many difficult decisions, one of them now requiring that all AGUA Masters swimmers must be members of Asphalt Green.
How do I make a reservation?
Where can I find the daily health screening?
Do I have to wear a face covering?
- Yes. Swimmers are required to wear face coverings when traveling to and from the pool deck. Face coverings may only be removed when the swimmer is entering the water. Swimmers are responsible for bringing their own plastic bag to store their face covering in designated areas on the pool deck.
What does the practice schedule look like?
- Practice schedules vary slightly based on our new facility hours and other variables. In order to accommodate the 33% State and City capacity limitation, we have added practices where applicable. Please note that schedules are subject to change.
How many swimmers will be allowed to attend practice?
- Current capacity restrictions allow a maximum of six swimmers per lane at practice. The total number of swimmers at practice will vary by pool configuration.
What will practice look like?
- After six months away from the water, practices will focus on re-acclimating and injury prevention. We will focus on social distancing just as much as swimming fast.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates |
The pools at Asphalt Green will reopen October 1, 2020 per City mandate. The fitness centers are open. Visit asphaltgreen.org for updates. |
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