Following new CDC recommendations and the North Carolina Governor’s latest Executive Order, North Carolina Swimming has revised guidance on the use of face coverings at USA Swimming activities as follows:

• North Carolina Swimming strongly recommends that partially vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals continue to wear face coverings and practice social distancing at all swimming activities.
• Other individuals are welcome to continue wearing face coverings for personal comfort.
• NCS and member clubs may require that participants wear face coverings and observe social distancing at practices, team activities, team travel, camps, clinics, and competitions.
• NCS members are expected to comply with all COVID-19 safety guidelines from USA Swimming, North Carolina Swimming, the State of North Carolina, local jurisdictions, aquatic facilities, and member clubs.

The USA Swimming Board of Directors has extended the current COVID-related requirements for sanctioning competition through August 31, 2022.  There are a few changes to the requirements which were in place during 2020 and 2021. Specifically, the requirements to provide a statement of local protocols, plan for ingress and egress of spectators and planned numbers of people anticipated in specific spaces are no longer in place. 

LSC Sanction Requirements

All safety precautions remain in full effect. Above all else, it is important to remember that all training and competition must conform to local, state, and federal public health guidelines. 

It is every individual’s responsibility to make best efforts to stay safe in order for their athletes and teams to continue practicing and competing.

CDC Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period

NCS Team Travel COVID Guidelines

Governor’s Executive Order No. 215 5/14/21

Employee Retention Credit Information

Athlete and Coach Mental Health and Wellness

NCS Best Practices for handling positive COVID-19 tests

Aquatics Coalition Advocacy Letter

Aquatic Coalition Top Tips for Safer Opening Procedures

USSSA COVID19 Action Plan

Facility Reopening Plan Guidelines

NCS Back in the Swim COVID-19 Relief Program

NCS Letter to Governor Cooper

NCS Return to Operations: Best Practices (as of 5/6)

NCS Return to Operations: Club Waiver Template

Facility Re-opening Messaging and Planning

Recording THEN and NOW of Pool Operation and Programming

Slides THEN and NOW of Pool Operation and Programming

Pool Opening Examples

Pool Operations Suggestions

NCS Announces COVID-19 Relief Program for Clubs

USA Swimming Coronavirus Resource Page

COVID-19 Club Resource Links

We also encourage all our members to follow healthcare recommendations to avoid infection and the spread of infection:

1. Avoid getting closer than six feet to anyone coughing or sneezing; 
2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that has 60-95% alcohol. This is especially important after going to the bathroom, before eating, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing;
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
4. Cover your mouth with a tissue or your elbow if you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash, and then wash your hands;
5. Stay home if you are sick, and away from the pool and from fellow team members;
6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly;
7. Monitor the WHO and CDC websites for travel advisories and follow their recommendations.

• CDC – Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• WHO – World Health Organization

Questions or personal concerns regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) should be directed to your local healthcare provider. North Carolina Swimming will continue to monitor the situation and advise of any additional safety measures necessary to help our members stay safe and healthy throughout this difficult time.