2020 COVID Response Policies & Practices
Dates
The first large group Sunday ocean session is planned for June 7.
At least June 7 & 14 sessions will be for current OCSC members only {This restriction may be extended. Drop-in tickets will be available online when the sessions open beyond members.}
Online Waivers
Members & drop-in participants must complete an online waiver FIRST in order to join an ocean session.
No Contact Sign-in
Participant will be given a number when they walk up and you must use your own Sharpie to mark the number on the top of you hand.
Sign-in Location
Our set-up will be in the parking lot and you will sign IN & OUT at that location.
Loaner Swim Caps, Drink Cooler, GU Fuel
NO community drink cooler
No loaner swim caps - BYO - Bright colored caps are required to enter the water
Lifeguard Safety Zone
Please respect a 6' safety zone around all lifeguards on the water and on the beach. Please do NOT rest on a lifeguard board unless you fear you are in imminent danger. NOTE: We will be allowing and encouraging the use of swim buoys for those who want to rest out in the water.
Swim Time Window
Once you sign in with the beach team you can enter the water to swim between 7:45 and 9:00. There will not be our typical group announcement time with everyone hitting the water together.
Face Coverings / Masks
Our beach and lifeguard team will be wearing face coverings at all times. We ask that participants respect others by doing the same if you are in a position that compromises CDC social distancing guidelines.
Wave Safe Policies & Conditions Information
Signs will be posted to indicate Wave Safe policies and current conditions.
Ocean Training Sessions
FAQ - UPDATED FOR COVID POLICIES
- IMPORTANT: Ocean Sessions through at least early mid-June are for CURRENT OCSC MEMBERS ONLY. No guests, walk-ups or drop-ins.
- Membership cards are for that individual ONLY. Guests {When allowed again} will have to pre-purchase a drop-in pass.
- Swims take place on the days and within the dates listed above. However we occasionally have to cancel a session due to weather, water or wildlife. We post updates via Twitter using #OCSC the night before and the morning of the swims to give those coming from further away as much notice as possible. Schedule updates can also be found on our Facebook Page HERE
- Conditions & Cancellations - The ocean and beach can create it's own micro-conditions that may or may not be safe. We begin posting conditions the night before, the morning of (6:00 AM) and at the beach (7:00 AM) so you can plan your trip accordingly. The posts show up on Twitter under the tag #OCSC and on our Facebook page.
- Water temperatures vary throughout the season from early season lows in the 50's to mid-season highs in the mid 70's. Follow the ocean condition links to learn more.
- Wetsuits are an individual preference. {So too are Fins, Swim Buoys or any other aid that will not impede or interfere negatively with other swimmers.}
- Participants MUST be 18 or over unless they are an active, certified member of one of our approved beach patrols.
- Participants can swim as much or as little as they like. There are coached workout options.
Learn More
Our coached and guarded ocean training sessions are where the OC Swim Club started and remain the core of our open water offerings. The focus has always been and will remain to provide welcoming, inclusive, safe and positive ocean experiences for everyone.
Dates: June 7 until Mid-September.
Thursdays: SELECT Thursdays - 6:30 - 7:30 AM,59th St. beach just south of jetty, Ocean City, NJ- Exact 2020 dates TBD (Weather permitting) - Late June to Early August, 2020
Sundays: EVERY Sunday - 7:45 - 9:00 AM, 59th St. beach just south of jetty, Ocean City, NJ (Weather permitting)
Course: 300 - 400 meter triangular course {Depending on conditions} roughly 100 meters off the beach with guards/coaches stationed on rescue boards, in the water and on the beach. The OCSC is proud to be setting the standard for safe open water and ocean training, and we will always strive to create safe and positive experiences for all our participants.
Fees: $20 Single Drop-in for Non-Members, Yearly memberships come with a 10-Session pass card. Unlimited season passes are available along with other membership options.
Early Pod Sunday Sessions
Offering Pre-Booked, Semi-private Group Sessions
Book a semi-private ocean session for your club or group. These are offered on Sunday mornings in the summer from 6:45 - 7:45 AM with sign-ins starting at 6:30 AM. Groups wishing to book a session for the club or organization must contact us prior to purchasing to insure availability. All sessions are subject to cancellation due to dangerous weather, water or wave conditions. NOTE: Should a session be cancelled due to dangerous conditions, all efforts will be made to arrange an alternate date. Should a date not be available then a refund will be made minus a 10% administration fee. LEARN MORE & PURCHASE...
Be the First In the Water - Early Pod Sunday Sessions in 2020
Blue Ocean Partners
Pre & Post Season Coached Bay Swims
Take Your Open Water Confidence, Awareness and Speed to the Next Level
These small group sessions of 10 - 20 swimmers are coached in an open water venue behind Ocean City. The workouts are structured similar to a typical Masters pool session with sets and intervals adjusted to support a wide range of speeds and experiences. Coaches are on boards providing instruction and support, and these are designed to challenge every swimmer and make them smarter, stronger and wiser across a variety of challenges they may face in any open water venue. Space is very limited and updated information is mailed to those on our mailing list and posted on Facebook. Cost is $20 for non-members and $10 for OCSC Members. NOTE: Water temps will usually be from 55 - 65 degrees.
PLANNED RETURN FOR SPRING 2021
Supporting Partners
