Maryland should open outdoor pools for lap swimming, even while pools are closed to recreational swimming.  Exercise is an immune booster and many Maryland residents swim laps as a primary form of exercise.   Swimming also has an advantage over other outdoor exercise because swimmers exhale into or immediately adjacent to the surface of the chlorinated pool.  “There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas or water play areas," according to the CDC's website. "Proper operation and maintenance (including disinfection with chlorine and bromine) of these facilities should inactivate the virus in the water.”

Maryland is home to many competitive national, collegiate and Olympic swimmers who have not been able to train since indoor pools closed in March.   These swimmers need access to outdoor public and private pools.  As other States open pools and Maryland pools remain closed, local swimmers will fall behind in training for national and international meets.  We implore the Governor and County Executives to include lap swimming in the list of allowed outdoor activities and to open swimming pools on schedule.  After 9 weeks out of the water, we must get competitive and exercise swimmers in the water outdoors during the warmer months.

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