On Tuesday, September 7, Lyndon students received an email from S.H.A.P.E. Coordinator Tara Nelson that read “After 18 long months, the pool will open tomorrow, Wednesday, September 8.”
The pool will be open Monday through Friday midday from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM and in the evening from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. All students need to do is sign in at the desk beside the showers to use the facility.
Opening while the COVID-19 pandemic is still at play may be seen as risky, but Nelson said they are keeping their policy in accordance with the CDC, the State of Vermont, and campus guidelines. Nelson voiced that while the COVID-19 Delta variant is a concern but she has confidence in the custodial staff, as the pool, along with the fitness center, is deep cleaned and well hygienically maintained.
Jessyka Hart, a third-year student, was very excited to hear that the pool was open, but mentioned the operating hours were “very awkward and can be quite difficult to attend.” Second-year Grace Ilsley-Greene agrees, saying “It could be difficult for people’s schedules. I hope that they add more times.”
NVU-Lyndon has struggled to find lifeguards in the past. Over the summer, however, six students and staff members took a lifeguard training course to ensure the pool could open. In Nelson’s email announcing the reopening, it was stated that they would “look at adding more hours in the future.” This would likely reflect on how many other lifeguards can be hired through work-study and direct hire positions with the proper certification.
Feature Photo by Wesley McWee