While the state of Michigan has not allowed swimmers to return to indoor pools amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Michigan swimming program has returned to the water in their home facility.<\/p>\n

Michigan swimmers, practicing social distancing, have returned to Canham Natatorium, one per lane, as of Monday, the school announced with photos on social media.<\/p>\n

High school and club programs have returned to outdoor pools around the state in small numbers, but Gov. Gretchen Whitmer<\/strong>\u2019s ruling prohibits a return to indoor pools. Many teams have been forced out of the water entirely, or have been swimming in large ponds, rivers and lakes around the state.<\/p>\n

The University Michigan has returned under the guidance of NCAA policies as athletes have returned to campus and voluntary workouts with social distancing guidelines in place.<\/p>\n

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Photo Courtesy: Twitter\/@umichswimdive<\/p><\/div>\n
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It is unclear whether the University of Michigan has any other exemptions or if the NCAA ruling specifically exempts the school. Several people commented on the photos on social media, wondering how the university is exempt from the governor’s ruling, but no official response was given.<\/p>\n
Swimming World<\/em> reached out to university officials but has not been given an official explanation yet.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Socially-distanced summer swimming at Canham. #GoBlue<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/w1GEwobmxt<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Michigan Swimming & Diving (@umichswimdive) July 13, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n