AGUA Masters Weekly Newsletter
A Note from Coach John
Our first week back in the pool is in the rearview mirror. It has been wonderful to be together again at practice. Thank you for your adaptability as we adjust to the new policies and procedures. We will continue to evaluate and update these policies as needed.

AGUA Masters may now check in to practice 10 minutes prior to their scheduled time, allowing for an additional five minutes to enter the facilities.

A few issues need to be addressed. There has been some resistance to:
  • Exiting the pool promptly at the end of practice
  • Following proper traffic direction around the pool
  • Wearing face coverings all the way up to the water’s edge
  • Maintaining social distancing in the pool
  • Minimizing touch points
  • Expediting time in the locker room

While I understand feeling frustrated and overwhelmed, these safety procedures are the only things that stand between being open and being shut down. Help me and each other ensure that we stay safe and open.

It has also come to my attention that there have been a few instances of Masters team members taking their frustration out on Asphalt Green staff. In addition to violating our COVID-19 visitor code of conduct, this behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. As a reminder, any person found to be violating COVID-19 safety measures, including respect toward staff, risk having his or her visitation rights suspended or terminated.

If you have any questions or concerns, my door is always open. Please feel free to email me at [email protected].

See you at the pool,

–Coach John
Up Next
NEW! Activate Your TeamUnify Account
All active AGUA Masters members should have received an email this morning from "Team Unify" via TeamUnify. If it is not in your inbox, please check your junk mail folder and add the address to your safe-sender list.

This email will link you to your new TeamUnify account. Click on the link to activate your account. You will then be connected to our new AGUA Masters website. Going forward, this platform will be used to manage all team communications, including announcements and schedule updates. Please note that instructions for reserving practice time remain the same.
NOVEMBER 15-30
2020 USMS Fall Fitness Challenge
This one-mile swim is the perfect event to finish the year strong after a long break from the pool. Proceeds support the USMS COVID-19 Relief Program for local swim clubs.
Register for Practice Online

You may register for one swimming practice per day, at either Asphalt Green campus, up to two weeks in advance. View the schedule.

Reservations for a two-week period open on Mondays at 10am. The second week of a two-week cycle is unlocked each Monday. Reservations are made on a rolling basis.

Reserve your spot:
Training Tips
Six-Kick Freestyle Drills
Six-kick freestyle drills help even out your freestyle stroke and improve coordination. These exercises emphasize balancing on your side for six kicks in between strokes. Focus on driving the rotation with your hips and legs rather than your arms and add a pair of fins to help keep your body position high.
Reminders
  • 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 ten minutes before and five minutes 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.

  • 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 and sauna are unavailable. Per New York State Department of Health mandate (Article 165), a limited number of showers are available for a pre-and post-swim rinse only.

  • 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.
FAQs
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. View the schedule.

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.