VPSC is committed to clear and constant communication with our members through and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board and Staff, like you, understand each individual’s responsibility to limit the spread of the virus, which has resulted in upending our daily routines.   Over the past few days, leadership has been reviewing and discussing the best plan to move forward with supporting our membership, coaches and staff, and preserve the incredible community all have worked so hard to build at VPSC over the past 30 years.  Our Club is a community organization and understands that your support is what will get us through the current realities and make us stronger at the other end.

We want to respond to the fact that swimmers are facing a difficult situation as their training is removed and they are socially isolated from one another due to school closures. As an organization, VPSC has a particularly important role to play right now in maintaining the mental and physical health of its community of athletes, and in strengthening their connections with their coaches and each other.

We are proud of the programs we offer and will continue to offer alternative programming through the pandemic, recognizing the restrictions that exist.  We are asking you, our membership, to continue your incredible support while we coordinate and offer programming to you.  We must remain optimistic that we will be able to resume pool training in the coming weeks and as soon as it is safe to do so.  Coaching staff are preparing virtual programs focused on maintaining a level of fitness and preparing for a strong return to the pool.  The programming will be group focused and be presented to our members through email and personal contact with your coach.  We believe it is upon us to provide a meaningful program that will make our swimmers better athletes while maintaining their engagement with the club and community, in spite of having no in water instruction. 

Current financial realities, as we go through the pool closures, are that expenses such as coaches staff and other smaller costs will not change in the short term, and trust all understand the impact of those costs on a community organization like ours. We have a great coaching group and are doing all possible to maintain their continued involvement.  VPSC charges an annual fee for training with the vast majority of our members choosing to pay monthly.   As such, March membership fees will not change and be charged at month’s end, as previously scheduled programming was provided up to spring break and normal breaks already in the schedule.  Going forward and while pool closures are in effect, alternate programming will be provided to our members.  Coaching and staff costs represent approximately 50% of training fees charged in your yearly membership and as such from April forward and while pools are closed, the club will reduce membership fees charged by 50% with those fees primarily dedicated to keeping your coaches, staff and alternate programming in place.  The situation can change quickly, and we commit to communicate with you as developments occur.   

We are all hoping for a quick return to facilities reopening and programming returning to normal.  Until that time, we whole heartedly thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate uncharted territory.  VPSC is a strong community club with a national presence.  Your support is what made us what we are and the most important factor in keeping us where we want to be!  

By keeping your memberships active and in good standing, you allow us to continue to minimize the impact of this trying situation. In return, we are focusing on providing alternative programming including building an active online community to support your training and maintain a strong connection for all of us.  We encourage all to use the online community to communicate, support, and motivate each other.  Keep VPSC together and make it stronger is the collective goal! 

Thank you all and GO VPSC!

These are unprecedented times and the continuation of our normal daily lives has been challenging to say the least. With the uncertainty of how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting people, the decision makers at the three facilities used by VPSC, have advised they are temporarily suspending group activities, such as at UBC, or temporarily closing facilities completely, such as with St George’s and Lord Byng.  The length of closures or cancellations of group bookings is presently unknown with updates being provided to VPSC as more is understood about the virus by all parties.  

The closures and suspension of group bookings has resulted in all VPSC programs being cancelled until pool space is made available.  We know you have questions and can advise that staff and the VPSC Board have been meeting regularly to ensure we understand the issues and how best to address what we can in a timely manner.  Our first priority is the health and safety of our swimmers and coaches and will ensure that we are keeping in line with the regulations of our facilities as they work to provide a safe environment.  Short term club administration issues regarding operations and how it affects our members are being reviewed with further communication provided when available 

Club Staff and the Board are receiving regular updates from Swim BC, Swim Canada as well as from each of the facilities used by the club.  Updates will be issued by email and posted on the front page of the website as they occur.

We hope that the impact of the virus diminishes in the very near future, so that options to restore operations can become the focus.  

Thank you from Staff, Coaches and The Board 

As of Today’s date of March 12, VPSC is continuing programming and will do so as long as facilities remain available or public health officials advise sessions should no longer continue.

The safety of our members is always a top priority at VPSC. While we do not wish to raise the already mounting level of concern around Vancouver with regards to the Coronavirus, we are happy to share how we are working to maintain the highest possible health standards at our locations.

·  Regular sanitizing of equipment we control and where possible, has been and will continue to be a focus

·  Coaches will have hand sanitizer available for all to wash their hands when coming on the deck.

·  Sanitizer available for guest use at St George and Byng if not provided by the facility

·  A strict policy is in place for coaches and management who have symptoms of cough, fever or respiratory distress to not attend any practices or team functions

·  Waiving the 30 day cancellation policy if swimmers call experiencing symptoms.  Credits to the account will be applied.

In return we ask of you:

·  Do not come to your training session if you are exhibiting any of the following symptoms: cough, fever or difficulty breathing.

·  Sneeze and/or cough into a tissue or your elbow and avoid touching your face. Discard tissue immediately into the trash and wash your hands.

·  Wash your hands before and after your class/training session.

·  Inform the club immediately if anyone in your immediate family has been diagnosed with the COVID-19 Virus

VPSC is monitoring the current climate and will move quickly if and when adjustments are required.  We ask you to please review all communication from the club and contact our office by phone at 604-736-0411 or by email info@vancouverpacificswimclub.com

If you'd like more information on COVID-19 and what you can do to help prevent the spread please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control Click Here

For up to date information on how COVID-19 is affecting access to UBC and its facilities Click Here​​​​​​​