CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Two Clarksville city pools reopened Thursday after closing over the July 4 weekend because a lifeguard tested positive for COVID-19.

On July 3, the Parks and Recreation Department announced on its Facebook page that Swan Lake and Bel-Aire pools would close for the weekend for contact tracing.

On Sunday, July 5, the department announced it would remain closed Monday “to continue contact tracing procedures,” and then on Monday said the pools would remain closed until further notice.

“One lifeguard reported testing positive for the novel coronavirus on Friday, July 3, after last working on Sunday, June 28,” city spokesman Richard Stevens told Clarksville Now on Thursday in prepared comments. “The department, following procedures outlined by the City’s Health & Safety Manager and based on federal Centers for Disease Control guidelines, closed the pools and began extensive contact tracing. Five other team members found to have had direct contact with the lifeguard were quarantined and tested. One tested negative and the four others are awaiting results.

“The contact tracing did not find any direct exposure to pool patrons,” Stevens said.

“Because of continuing COVID-19 impacts on operations, Swan Lake and Bel-Aire are the only two municipal pools that are open this summer. They are operating under a Procedures & Exposure Control Plan implemented prior to the start of the season.”

Here are the main components of that plan:

  • No summer pool memberships. Instead, daily admission tickets are sold online to maintain appropriate occupancy levels and discourage in-person transactions.
  • Slides, climbing walls and inflatables are not in operation.
  • Staff and patrons undergo health screenings including a temperature check upon entering the facility. Social distancing guidelines are in place for pool decks and in the water.
  • Cloth face covers are strongly encouraged for patrons when on the decks and in other common areas. However, wearing a cloth face cover is not allowed while in the water. All staff, including lifeguards, are to wear cloth face covers.
  • Staff frequently will clean and disinfect surfaces such as water fountains, picnic tables and restroom fixtures. Hand sanitizer and soap and water for handwashing will be available. A new deck attendant position was created to accomplish these duties.
  • Debit/credit cards are strongly encouraged as forms of payment for any transactions. Tickets may be purchased at https://secure.rec1.com/TN/clarksville-tn/catalog