Based on sizeable crowds at opening meets of the local outdoor summer swimming seasons on June 19, all seems to be back to normal after the 2020 season not being held because of the pandemic.
Spectators were sitting side-by-side in bleachers or standing elsewhere shoulder-to-shoulder at some of the meets. As for wearing masks, very few were seen at those competitions. Some of the young swimmers wore masks as they moved around prior to and after races, but really, not many of them sported masks.
So summer swimming is back in full, with spectators and teammates cheering loudly, concessions stands opened with breakfast and lunch items, and some coaches attired in crazy colorful outfits.
Those are all nice and welcome sounds and sights after the much too quiet 2020 summer swimming season.
Hopefully the remainder of the 2021 campaign continues in that manner.
We’ll see what happens.
– Dave Facinoli
dfacinoli@sungazette.net
