It was great to see the families, new and returning, that stopped by yesterday. We are really looking forward to this season. As discussed yesterday, we will begin with a full practice schedule this week as follows. However, we will be monitoring attendance and numbers and may combine practices (or split age groups if numbers are very high) as needed in order to make the best use of the facility and staff time and ensure we can follow social distancing guidelines.

Beginning TOMORROW Monday June 1st at Gulf Park 528 Pensacola Road, Knoxville, TN 37923

Morning - Monday/Wednesday/Friday

8&under: 8:15am-9:15am (warm ups at 8:15, in water by 8:30)

Ages 9-12: 9:00-10:00am (warm ups at 9:00, in water by 9:15)

13&up: 9:45am-11am (warm ups at 9:45, in water by 10)

*Tues/Thurs may have 11am session if needed for meet prep/virtual meet events

Evening - Monday - Friday

Ages 10 & Under: 7:00pm warmups 7:15-8:00pm in water
Ages 11&Up: 7:45pm warmups 8:00pm-9:00pm in water

Please read and take note of the following updates and things to keep in mind as we being practicing this week.

First, we currently have 36 swimmers registered for swim team. THANK YOU for registering! Note – if you haven’t paid already, payment is due at first practice. Also, if you know families who are planning to participate, please ask them to register ASAP! 

Second, in order to ensure safety for our swimmers, families and staff, we do ask that EVERYONE park in the lower lot this season. The upper lot is for staff only and needs to remain clear for emergency vehicles.

Third, please respect all recommendations by GPRA (complete guidelines can be found here http://gulfparkrecreation.org/covid-19-policy/)– if you are coming for swim practice which include:

• Only swim team swimmers should be in the pool when the pool is closed
• Limit the number of people that stay on the pool deck during practices. It is recommended that only immediate family/those in the same household – sit closer than 6 feet near one another. Tables and chairs have been arranged in order to follow these guidelines, please leave them as they are – or put them back when your family is done.
• When the pool is open, only GPRA members should be in the pool if not participating in practice.
• It is also recommended that only immediate family/those in the same household use the basketball, volleyball or tennis courts – otherwise work to maintain social distance.

We will also be implementing a ‘sign in’ protocol and ask that all swimmers and family members sign in with contact info and practice time to support contact tracing records. Please be sure to maintain social distancing at check-in.

As noted previously, you will be required to complete the GKAISA waiver and there will also be a GPRA waiver at your first practice.

As noted previously, the most recent information regarding GKAISA guidelines can be found at the website https://gkaisa.swimtopia.com/

We are incredibly grateful for our gulf park blue shark community! Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns as we begin this season.

Go Sharks!

Jennifer Manrod

Swim Team Director

Gulf Park Blue Sharks