The Swimming Federation requests that the pools be opened in Phase 1

The Royal Spanish Swimming Federation has published a statement in its web page  where they urge the Government of Spain to reconsider that swimming pools and aquatic areas are allowed to be opened for sports

In Phase 1 of the alarm state, sports are allowed in sports facilities, but swimming pools are not included.

In the statement, they explain that it has been shown that Covid-19 is not transmitted through the water in swimming pools, and they do not understand why open-air facilities are allowed but not swimming pools for professional swimmers and federated can train

In the statement they comment on "Swimming pools have been incomprehensibly excluded despite the existence of the CSIC report, dependent on the Ministry of Science and Innovation, called "Inform on SARS-CoV-2 transmission in beaches and swimming pools” of May 5, 2020, which guarantees the safety of the aquatic environment where the use of disinfectant agents has been widely implemented for years.

Full statement

The RFEN requests the Government to reconsider the exclusion of swimming pools and water sports from Phase 1

Before the publication of the BOE of this May 9, 2020 in which the Ministry of Health of the Government of Spain excludes in article 41.3 of this decree the use of swimming pools and water areas in the so-called phase 1 that will begin on Monday 11 May, expresses the following:

1.- The RFEN has always been, is and will be respectful in the decisions and official measures that are taken regarding the coronavirus crisis and that so many families have affected, affects and is affecting.

2.- This is not an obstacle to expressing our surprise, as an institution, before an Order that makes it possible, in Phase 1, to carry out multiple sports activities in outdoor facilities, incomprehensibly excluding swimming pools despite the existence of the CSIC report, dependent on the Ministry of Science and Innovation, called "Report on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in beaches and swimming pools" of May 5, 2020, which guarantees the safety of the aquatic environment where the use of disinfectant agents has been widely implemented for years .

3.- The practice of swimming is recognized as an activity not only highly recommended for the health of the population, but also essential for federated sport and the survival of clubs with aquatic sections, to which the restriction of the aforementioned Order It causes them enormous damage and who knows if its final closure.

4.- For all this, from the RFEN we urge the Government of Spain to reconsider the modification of article 41.3 of the Official State Gazette so as to allow the opening of swimming pools and aquatic areas for sports practice, which comply with the measures prevention and hygiene requirements of the rest of the establishments and authorized activities within Phase 1 of the transition to the new normal.