Return to Swimming Parents Letter

Dear Parents & Guardians

We are very pleased to inform you that following the CHP announcement to reopen swimming pools in Hong Kong; we have been able to restart swimming lessons during Physical Education lessons for this term. These will be in ‘micro’ blocks, between four and six lessons. In order to ensure the safety of all the students, we have implemented several measures in addition to the health & safety guidelines issued by the CHP. These have been sent to classes starting this week and are set out below in detail:

Adherence to CHP/ EDB regulations 

• Students must wear a mask at all times when not in the swimming pool.
• Teachers and lifeguards will wear masks at all times.
• Hand sanitiser is made available upon entry to the swimming pool and upon exit of the swimming pool.
• The pool maximum capacity will not exceed 24 students and is below the allowable maximum capacity.
• All swimmers will remain socially distanced from each other whilst swimming in pods of 4, designated by lanes.

Changing & Facilities 

• Additional changing space in 4 separate changing rooms to ensure students are kept 1.5m apart.
• Masks to be kept in a secure bag or holder provided by the students when they are not in the water.
• Allocated socially distanced seat marking in poolside seating.
• Sharing of personal equipment (i.e. towels/goggles) is not permitted at any time.

Curriculum content to facilitate safety

• This is a wonderful opportunity for students to focus on either learning to swim or improving their individual performance. During the lessons students will be kept in ‘pods’ of a maximum of 4 and all instructions will be given through these pods, negating the need to gather in smaller areas. We will focus on technique and fitness which requires less student interaction and therefore less contact opportunities.

We totally understand that you may not wish your son/daughter to take part in swimming lessons at this time. If this is the case, please just inform their regular PE teacher and an alternative activity will be found for them.

Many thanks for your support.

Mr Anthony Webster

Head of Faculty for PE & Sport