JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
Swim season opened at Joint Base San Antonio June 24, but the later-than-usual start was not the only change in plans at the installations’ pools this summer.
The necessity for social distancing, due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, has resulted in limits on the number of swimmers allowed at the pools, and other precautions to protect employees and patrons.
“We are limiting capacity to 25 percent of normal occupancy, and we are cleaning and sanitizing five times during the day – at 6:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.,” said Dave Waugh, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Aquatic Center manager. “Wearing a mask is required when in the building and when social distancing is not possible outside, but not in the pool.”
The JBSA-Lackland Warhawk Pool and JBSA-Randolph Center Pool are following the same sanitation protocols.
Recreational swim sessions for both season pass-holders and daily walk-ins at all JBSA pools are divided into three sessions – noon to 2 p.m., 2:30-4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to closing – to allow for cleaning between sessions.
“We are also requiring everyone to wear a mask when entering our facility, wash hands frequently, and shower before entering the pool,” said Stephanie Soto, JBSA-Lackland aquatics director. “We ask that anyone who is feeling under the weather or comes in contact with someone who has COVID-19 to stay at home.”
For recreational swimming, the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston pool is open seven days a week, while the JBSA-Lackland Warhawk Pool is open Wednesday through Sunday, and the JBSA-Randolph Center Pool is open Monday and Wednesday through Sunday. The JBSA-Lackland Skylark Aquatic Center is closed for the season.
Lap swimming hours at the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston pool are from 5:15-11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; and 6:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Lap swimming is from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday and Friday at the Warhawk pool, and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday at JBSA-Randolph’s South Pool.
Social distancing requirements have forced the cancellation of various activities at the JBSA pools, including swimming lessons. The JBSA-Fort Sam Houston pool’s triathlons and pool parties, and the Warhawk pool’s dive-in movies and swim team sessions, are among the activities that are canceled for this season.
Single-session passes to JBSA’s pools are $10 per family and are valid only at the location where purchased. If COVID-19 guidance allows for pool capacity expansion, additional pool season passes will be sold at the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Aquatic Center, JBSA-Lackland Outdoor Recreation, and the JBSA-Randolph Community Services Mall.
Pool directors urged swimmers to stay safe and protect themselves and their loved ones.
“Have fun while staying safe, and please pack your patience,” Waugh said.
For more information on JBSA pools, call JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, 210-221-4887; JBSA-Lackland, 210-671-3445; or JBSA-Randolph, 210-652-5142, option 2.