COVID
May 25, 2020
Dear Severn Sailing Association Members and Junior Program Supporters:
Since March, SSA has been planning for summer junior sailing expecting that COVID-19 would have a profound impact on how the summer program will operate. At this time, we believe that SSA will be able to support junior sailing in some form this summer but we are not sure of the size and scope of the program. Current government orders limit us to singlehanded sailing or sailing with members of the same household on the types of boats we use in the junior program (social distancing is not possible on small dinghies) but we may see some of these restrictions ease if and when Maryland moves to Phase Two of the Maryland Strong recovery program. Regardless, we can expect social distancing and mask wearing to continue. SSA will provide weekly updates on the status of summer junior sailing.
We know that your young sailors are eager to get out on the water and we are pleased to be part of your summer plans. Please register as if we will be able to host a full program. Note that we are not requiring payment until a week before classes begin. We will certainly offer full refunds for classes that are cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Our number one priority is, and has always been, to keep your junior sailor safe and healthy. SSA’s junior program health protocols are reviewed every year (this includes a site inspection) by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as part of the summer camp certification process. (Not all local sailing programs receive this certification.) Since early spring, SSA’s Junior Director and Head Coach have been working with state officials and are already making the required changes to how classes will be conducted and how the facility and boats will be prepared for summer 2020. In addition to State protocols, SSA will also follow the Centers for Disease Control day camp guidance and comply with Anne Arundel County Health Department regulations. SSA has also reached out to healthcare professionals in our sailing community for further recommendations on how best to keep your sailors safe. We consider guidance from government agencies to be the baseline for our club’s operations. Because SSA is a sailing club for people of all ages, we must take extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of all of our members, especially those who may be at greater risk due to their age.
So how will our operations change for summer 2020? Expect small groups separated from other groups, social distancing, buff face coverings, and a lot of handwashing. Our coaches will be taking extra precautions to maintain the safety for your sailor, including washing down all equipment after each use. Outdoor handwashing stations have been installed at the club for student and instructor use. Indoor training areas will be cleaned more frequently. SSA has already increased the number and intensity of bathroom cleanings, and has adjusted how we clean to account for the coronavirus. Instructors will ensure that junior sailors spend as much time as possible outside of the facility; we are making arrangements for more outside classroom settings. We’ve also planned for smaller classes and are adapting lesson plans to accommodate our new procedures. Look for new drop off and check in protocols to eliminate crowding, and possibly morning temperature checks.
We all know that summer camp in 2020 and likely beyond will be different but we are committed to maintaining the spirit of fun and learning that makes summer sailing so special.
No doubt you have many questions and we welcome your input. Please contact the Junior Program Director, Travis Carlisle, at sailing@severnsailing.org or 410-263-0071.
Severn Sailing Association Junior Program