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AGUA Newsletter
Tuesday, September 7, 2021
On August 16, 2021, Mayor De Blasio signed Emergency Executive Order 225, mandating vaccine requirements for organizations like Asphalt Green. The order went into effect August 17, 2021 and will be enforced by the New York City Department of Health beginning September 13, 2021. This means all Asphalt Green staff, members, athletes/program users, spectators, and visitors ages 12+ will be required to have at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to visit our facilities, indoors and outdoors, effective immediately.

HOW TO SUBMIT PROOF OF VACCINATION 
  • Complete this form before September 13, 2021. The form is for competitive team athletes ONLY.
  • In addition to the form, competitive team athletes will be required to show proof of vaccination in person on one of the dates listed below. Acceptable forms of proof include your vaccine card, a photo of your vaccine card, Excelsior, or NYC COVID Safe app. 
  • Upper East Side - Tuesday, September 7; 3:30pm to 5:30pm (please use outdoor staircase to cafe area)
  • Upper East Side - Wednesday, September 8; 3:30pm to 5:30pm (please use outdoor staircase to cafe area)
  • Upper East Side - Saturday, September 11; 11am to 1pm (please use outdoor staircase to cafe area)
  • Battery Park City - Thursday, September 9; 4pm to 5:30pm (front entrance)
AGUA COVID-19 Updates
As we continue to prioritize the safety of our AGUA athletes, coaches, and families, please review our updated COVID-19 protocols. Details are subject to change.

DAILY CHECK-IN
  • Swimmers may enter Asphalt Green no earlier than 15 minutes before the start of their practice. Swimmers should report to the bleachers (Upper East Side) or cellar level (Battery Park City). Swimmers ages 12 and up must show their vaccine sticker to enter. Daily health screening is not required.
  • Swimmers attending practice at Sacred Heart will need to fill out their daily health screening and follow all check-in protocols.

MASKS
  • Until further notice, all swimmers must continue to wear their masks inside Asphalt Green until they enter the water.

SPECTATORS
  • Spectators will be permitted to watch practices. Non-member spectators must show proof of vaccination each visit to enter. Members may show their Asphalt Green Pass stickers. All are encouraged to maintain social distancing.

LOCKER ROOMS
  • Swimmers must arrive in their swimsuits, but may change quickly in the locker rooms after practice.
Welcome Coaches Nate Freeman and Andy Ross
We would like to extend a warm welcome to our two new assistant coaches Nate Freeman and Andy Ross. Nate will be assisting the AG4 and Senior I groups, while Andy will assist UES AG2.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Nate has been coaching Masters private lessons at Asphalt Green since 2013. He swam at Seattle University, where he earned honorable mention All-American recognition for helping the 800 freestyle relay team to an 11th-place finish at the NCAA Division II Championships. He also helped his high school team, Brophy College Prep, win a national championship with his contribution in the 400 freestyle relay.

Growing up in West Lafayette, Indiana, Andy was a Junior National qualifier for Boilermaker Aquatics. He went on to swim at Division-I Southern Illinois University, where he was named Captain. Andy began his coaching career at the Pine Crest School, helping develop three Olympic Trials qualifiers.

Most recently, Andy researched swimming, artistic swimming, and open water swimming during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics for NBC. He has previously worked for Swimming World Magazine covering the World Championships and USA Swimming National Championship.
Upcoming Birthdays 

September 8
Ada Emmet

September 9
Kathy Lachman

September 10
Kouros Javaheri

September 12
Max Paltridge

September 13
Max Mata Rohe
Gigi Putka


Follow Us on Instagram
Be sure to follow us @aguaswim for announcements, shoutouts, and more!

Save the Date: AGUA Family Welcome Meeting
Please save the date for our virtual fall family welcome meeting: Saturday, September 25 at 11am. This year's meeting will occur on Zoom. Sign ups will be available in next week's newsletter.
Team Suit & Gear Fittings
Ultimate Swim Shop will be visiting Asphalt Green on the dates below to assist athletes with proper suit and gear fittings. As a reminder, the AGUA team suit or a solid black TYR suit is required for competition for all 14 and under athletes.

2021 SUIT FITTINGS
  • Upper East Side: Wednesday, September 15, 3:30pm to 7pm
  • Upper East Side: Friday, September 17, 3:30pm to 7pm
  • Battery Park City: Monday, September 20, 3:30pm to 5:30pm

PRACTICE EQUIPMENT 
Required by Monday, September 27

National, Senior II, Senior I, Senior Prep Green and Gold
  • Snorkel
  • Catalyst Stroke Training Paddle
  • Pull buoy
  • Kickboard
  • Fins (Crossblade or Hydroblade preferred)
  • Pulling ankle band

AG3 Green and Gold, AG2 Green and Gold
  • Snorkel
  • Pull buoy
  • Kickboard
  • Fins (Crossblade or Hydroblade preferred)

AG1 
  • Junior kickboard
  • Fins (Crossblade preferred)
Parent/Coach Communication 
In order to streamline parent/coach communication, please do not reply to the newsletter. Use the following email addresses for all questions:

Upcoming Schedule Changes
There will be no dryland during the first week of practice. Dryland for all groups will begin on Monday, September 20.
REMINDER: Masks are required for all visitors in all common areas at Asphalt Green, including lobbies, stairways, elevators, and locker rooms. Thank you for your cooperation.