University of Michigan Suspended Workouts Still Leave Questions About Return to the Pool

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The University of Michigan swimming and diving program has suspended voluntary workouts because of COVID-19 testing results, but questions still remain about the team’s presence in the water during the pandemic.

University Michigan swimmers returned to the pool on July 12, under the guidance of NCAA policies as athletes have returned to campus and voluntary workouts with social distancing guidelines in place, though it sparked some confusion in the state since indoor pools were not open across Michigan.

The team posted pictures on social media of one swimmer in each lane, the temperature checking station and masks being worn on the pool deck, but the post was taken down two days later after a wave of comments on the social media posts and media reports as swimmers, coaches and parents wondered why the Wolverines were in the water given the state still has not opened indoor pools.

University officials did not comment on the situation until Wednesday.

“I have no information on specific facilities or future workout plans. I can say with certainty that we are in constant communication with local and state officials to ensure compliance in all areas,” a university spokesperson said.

The response still does not address the removed social media post or whether University of Michigan swimmers continued to train in the water after the post’s removal.

Now, it is clear that swimmers are not in the water — or training in university facilities out of the water. The University of Michigan swimming and diving team is one of four sports to suspend voluntary workouts because of COVID-19 test results.

The university announced that 12 student-athletes and one staff member had tested positive for COVID-19, but did not disclose any identity of those who tested positive. According to the latest numbers provided by the university, 729 total tests have been administered since mid-June with 13 positive results produced.

“Our medical experts are providing the necessary care and communication to individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and those who have come into close contact with someone who has tested positive,” the school said in a statement on Tuesday.

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Ja Bounce

3 years ago

Most pools hold Chlorine levels 1.0 and 1.5 parts per million (some as high as 3.0) to maintain a healthy pool. Also please consider other factors – Age of Facility, HVAC systems, Bather load Type Chlorine/Ozone, Indoor/Outdoor, Quality of the Water ( Let’s be honest on this one SOME areas U.S. / Internationally have better quality water). The other concern/Issue I have is the “Specialist” [Bio Here – http://www.uniroma4.it/?q=node/1035%5D used has NOT been involved with anything water related since 2017 – Bio here http://www.uniroma4.it/?q=node/1035 Not knocking his skill set BUT he from Rome so I feel many folks would like to see U.S. Testing 1st before pool closures (IMO)…