Reopening Changing Rooms, Toilets & Showers

Published 10:00 on 1 Feb 2021

Created 20/8/20; review date 24/5/21

Introduction

Gov UK have recently released a report - "Working safely with providers of grass roots sports and Gym/leisure facilities". The starting point of the report is that people should arrive and leave dressed for participation and only use changing facilities where it is considered essential. We are entitled to consider that for sailing into the colder and wetter months the use of our changing rooms is essential but precautions to avoid the spread of Covid 19 must be taken. Transmission of Covid 19 is considerably more likely indoors than outside. Some experts say 200 times more likely and so whenever possible we should keep all aspects of our sailing outside.

Showers and Changing rooms Physical changes

The current RSC view is that changing rooms can be opened up but without showers. For emergency use only there is an electric shower in the Ladies changing room and for the men the electric shower in the disabled facility is available but only for emergency use.

Hair dryers and hand dryers will increase the spread of water droplets and for this reason they will be put out of use. The drinking fountains are possible transmission hot spots and for this reason they will be put out of use.

Ventilation is an important mitigating measure and getting fresh air into the changing rooms should be optimized. In practical terms this means opening the high level windows and keeping the South entry/exit door open in the Ladies changing room. In the Gents changing room the extract system will be set to run continuously and the North entry/exit door will be kept open.

The bag rack that causes a pinch point by the North door will be removed and used to block off the shower spaces.

Control Measures

Social distancing is important for people using the changing rooms and this can only be achieved if the number of people is controlled. Inspection has confirmed that the maximum number of people the Ladies changing room can accommodate is 12 and for the men 18.

Entry and exit will only be possible through a single door and a Tally board will be set up at the door. You can only enter if there is a tally band for you to take from the board and you must return your Tally band when you leave.

Hand sanitizers will be provided at the doors by the Tally boards with appropriate signage.

Soap and paper towels will be provided at the washbasins with more signs for encouragement to wash hands.

Social distance signage will be provided.

Coat hooks not able to be used due to social distancing measures will be taped off.

Spray, cloths and instructions for users to wipe down before and after they use benches and facilities will be provided. Signs are required to emphasize to users that they have a duty to others to clean after themselves.

Personal items must not be allowed to remain in the changing rooms. Users are to be encouraged to spend as little time as possible in the changing rooms and are required to take all their belongings with them.

PPE

Despite having control of the numbers using the changing rooms it will not be possible to maintain a social distance of 2metres at all times. Given this fact and that the environment is "indoors" RSC will require all users to wear a face covering.

Opening Times

The changing rooms will be open on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays which is when it is anticipated that the majority of members will wish to use them.

The "Family Changing Room "with just 1 Tally will be open on all days. Cleaning materials and a sign requiring members to clean after themselves will be provided.

RSC will thoroughly clean the changing rooms after every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday opening.

Last updated 12:48 on 28 February 2021