Decorah Municipal Pool is now open

Posted: Mon, Jun 29, 2020 12:08 PM

The Decorah Municipal Pool opened Monday to the public with new regulations in place to combat COVID-19.

When entering the pool facility, temperatures of each patron and staff member are taken. No more than 388 people, or 37% of the pool's normal operating capacity, are allowed in at one time.

Once inside, households can claim one of the circles marked in the lawn. The circles are spaced out throughout the facility to encourage social distancing. Another way the pool is encouraging social distancing is by placing red tape markers on the pool deck next to the slide and diving boards to indicate where patrons should stand in line.

"Decorah Swimming Pool Ambassadors," the pool's new volunteer staff, can be found roaming the pool deck in red t-shirts and are there to answer patrons' questions and enforce public health standards.

Lifeguards also have new guidelines in place. The guards have always been taught "life over limb," meaning that a patron's life is valued over physical consequences for the patron or guard. The mantra takes on new meaning with the virus. Pool Manager Madelyn Jermier calls it, "Life over COVID." If a patron needs CPR, guards have been trained to save the patron's life even if there is a risk to contract the virus.

Jermier says that the staff are doing all they can to keep people safe, including sanitizing high-touch areas every hour, but they need help from the patrons too. "We want everyone to feel comfortable," and that can only be accomplished if everyone takes responsibility for adhering to the guidelines.

Circles are marked on the lawn to separate households

Red tape markers indicate where people should stand in line

Pool Manager Madelyn Jermier stands at the front desk ready to take patrons' temperatures