The SRRA Board of Directors met for their April board meeting with a full agenda. First, we are pleased to announce that John Dobrydney, Jr. will be the Sideburn Run Pool Manager for 2021. John comes to Sideburn Run via Fairfax Swim Club where he was a lifeguard for 5 years, assistant manager for one season, and the pool manager for one season. We also have a number of 2020 guards returning for the 2021 season. We still need additional guards, so if you know of a teenager who is sixteen or over and would like to be a lifeguard, have them contact our Operations Chairperson, Kathy Rushlow, at operations@sideburnrun.com. We're very excited about this summer and the lifeguarding and management team we have assembled.

In addition to the normal preparation for the pool opening on Memorial Day weekend, 29 May, the Board discussed how to adhere to the current COVID-19 guidance from state and local health departments while incrementally and safely returning to a pre-pandemic community pool experience. After much discussion, the SRRA Board of Directors has published the 2021 SRRA Pool Operating Rules.

Although we are currently under the same Phase 3 guidelines as we ended last season, the Board relaxed some of the additional rules implemented last season. The SRRA Board is confident we can make these adjustments based on a low infection rate for the 22032 and 22039 zip codes, a trending down of new cases of coronavirus infections throughout Fairfax County, and an increase in the number of people receiving vaccinations for this virus. We have lived with this virus for over a year now and we know what we need to do to stay healthy and safe. We will continue to observe social distancing, frequent hand washing and cleaning, and use of face masks. Here is a list of the major changes for 2021:

Pool Entry

• The pool capacity will be at the state prescribed limit of 75% (181 persons) in the pool facility at any one time.
• All non-family members must remain 10 feet from other non-family members.
• This includes "family pods" as they are not recognized by the state and local health officials.
• We will return to gate check-in and check-out. We will not use a registration system as we did last year. changed order
• Please remain 10 feet apart when waiting to be checked in.
• Everyone age 5 and over MUST wear a face-covering when entering the pool facility and within the pool boundaries in accordance with Virginia and/or Fairfax County guidelines.
• Answering the three standard questions and temperature checks are still required for entry.
• Masks may be removed while seated & 10 feet apart from members who are not in their family, when eating or drinking, or in the pool. Masks must be worn when moving about the deck, using the bathrooms, etc.
• You MUST check out so that we always have an accurate count of who is in the facility and facilitate other members being allowed to enter.
• We will use social media to alert our membership as we near capacity.
• Members 13 and over can attend without an adult present.
• Guests will be allowed but may be limited during high use times.

Pool Furniture

• We ask that you do not move or rearrange the furniture. If needed, please coordinate with the Pool Manager.
• We will have chairs with the tables available and spaced out according to state and local guidelines.
• There will be a limited number of loungers available.
• Picnic tables will be spread throughout the grassy area.
• Members are welcome to bring your own chairs.

Pool Toys

• The use of soft (squishy) balls and other pool toys for careful play in the pool or on the pool deck is allowed.
• Hard balls, such as tennis balls, are prohibited from the pool area.
• The use of super soakers or squirt guns is prohibited.
• The use of toys may be restricted at the discretion of the lifeguards.

I and the rest of the members of the Sideburn Run Board of Directors hope that you agree that these restrictions are fair and in the best interests for the health and safety of every member of our amazing community pool.

Thank you for being a member of Sideburn Run! I look forward to seeing you on deck real soon!

Jim McHugh
President, SRRA

Memberships Available

Sideburn Run pool will open for the 2021 season on Saturday, May 29 at noon. We look forward to seeing you here this summer. If you are not a member and would like to discuss our membership options, please contact Jim McHugh at membership@sideburnrun.com or via phone/text at 703-334-1313.

Lifeguards Wanted!

Sideburn Run is hiring lifeguards for the 2021 season! If you are 16 or over, a strong swimmer, enjoy warm summer days, and like to hang around the pool, this job is for you! Interested candidates should contact Kathy Rushlow, Operations Manager, for more information.