Working Together Against the Coronavirus Challenges
The Greater Augusta Family YMCA is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone who enters our doors. There are continued concerns about the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), and in an effort to keep you and your family healthy and prevent the spread of germs, we are sharing some important information as we work together to stay as well and safe as possible during these critical times.
UPDATE May 28, 2021
UPDATE April 27, 2021
- Temperature checks at all YMCA Welcome Centers.
- Extensive facility cleaning, including disinfectant fogging every night.
- Face masks will continue to be mandatory for staff and recommended for all members.
- Capacity limits for group exercise classes, strength areas and Play & Learn will be phased back to a normal over the next 90 days.
- There will be no restrictions on cardio equipment beginning May 1. Members who prefer an unused machine next to them will have access to “safe zone” signs to post on side machines.
- Outdoor Programs and Summer Camps will return to normal with all safety protocols in place.
- Camp Lakeside Residence Camp will be in full operation with all safety protocols in place.
- All pools, waterparks and swim lessons will operate at a normal capacity with safety protocols in place.
- Hours of Operation for each branch will be adjusted as needed by our member’s needs.
UPDATE October 19: Beyond Our Walls
We love seeing our members back in our Y branches, but we understand that not everyone is able to return due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. That’s why we are excited to go beyond our walls and launch a new Virtual Membership so you can stay connected with your Y family! A Virtual Membership will get you unlimited access to our new Virtual YMCA, which includes all the resources you need to stay healthy at home. Benefits include:- LIVE Zoom exercise classes with your favorite instructors
- Access to class recordings
- Virtual personal training
- Family activities
- Chronic disease support and virtual LiveStrong® videos
- Waived Joining Fee when you upgrade to a Branch or Metro membership (after six months as a Virtual Member)
Virtual Memberships are now available for $9.99 per month. Learn more about the benefits on a virtual membership, see some examples of our offerings and join at https://thefamilyy.org/virtual-membership/.
UPDATE September 1: Welcome to Your Virtual Y
We want to ensure all members have access to their favorite group exercise classes, even if the class is full or you are social distancing. With Your Virtual Y, you can join LIVE classes, watch pre-recorded videos, do virtual personal training and so much more.
Your Virtual Y is included with Y membership at no extra cost (value of $9.99 per month)! Login to your Y account to get access to Live classes and more! Watch our video above for instructions on finding virtual classes on our website. Click here to visit Your Virtual Y!
Not a member? Now is the time to join the Y! All September, you can Pay The Day as your Joiners Fee and start enjoying the benefits that come with Y membership, including our new Virtual YMCA. Pay $1 on September 1, $2 on September 2 and so on. Members can take advantage of our buddy bonus discount for referring a friend to Pay The Day! Click here for more information.
UPDATE August 25: Your Virtual Y Launches Sept. 1
The fifth phase of our reopening is the launch of our new Virtual Y, coming September 1. Your Virtual Y is included with your Y membership at no extra cost (value of $9.99 per month)! Your Virtual Y includes resources to support the health and well-being of you and your family, including:
- LIVE Zoom Group Exercise Classes
- Pre-recorded Exercise Videos
- Virtual Personal Training
- Kids Activities
- Virtual Family Outings
Your Virtual Y is developing by the day and new content will be added regularly. Stay tuned for more information about accessing live group exercises classes and the future of Virtual Memberships.
UPDATE August 21: Phase 5 Begins September 1!
There is a lot going on at the Y, and you won’t want to miss our exciting Phase 5 announcement! Like our Facebook pages below so you stay in-the-know and see information for virtual classes, motivation, program updates, promotions and everything in between!
UPDATE July 31: Phase 4 Begins August 1!
Phase 4 of our reopening includes starting back up our youth programs: Prime Time After School, School Days Out and youth sports! The safety procedures in our facilities will remain the same, which includes temperature checks and social distancing. Click here to view the Phase 4 guidelines for our youth programs.
FALL YOUTH SOCCER
PARENTS: WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
UPDATE July 18: Mask Update
To all our members:
We appreciate everyone for your understanding and staying with us as we continue to navigate through this pandemic. Taking in both the “Augusta Mask Ordinance” set forth from Richmond County and the Georgia Office of the Governor, here are some additional and modified YMCA information.
- ALL Family YMCA of Greater Augusta members are “Strongly Recommended” to enter the facility with a face mask. Though it is not mandated or required, the Family YMCA of Greater Augusta would like to encourage everyone to take extra precaution in their health and well-being during these times.
- Since the beginning of our reopening in May, the Family YMCA of Greater Augusta has taken preventive measures to ensure the safety and security of our members. This includes education about our social distancing guidelines, maintaining a healthy environment, keeping out spaces “extra” clean, lowering capacity of program registration, such as Group Exercise, etc.
- The following areas are where members are encouraged to wear their mask: Welcome Desk, Lobby, Indoor Track, Hallways, Restrooms, Locker Rooms and any other shared/confined space.
- Masks will not be required during exercise in a structured programmed formats such as Group Exercise Classes, Y Fit, Sports Leagues, Katie’s Pool, etc. as they have set the safety guidelines set forth by the Family YMCA of Greater Augusta.
- Members are not required to wear a mask, but they are encouraged, in Outdoor Pools/Splash Parks, Outdoor Tracks, Sports Fields and Playgrounds.
- On the Wellness Floor and Indoor Track, please practice social distancing guidelines and wipe down equipment after each use. If you are spotting another member on the Wellness Floor, please utilize a face mask or ask a Wellness Floor staff for assistance.
- All children (with the discretion of the parent) or children with any medical conditions are not required to wear a mask throughout the facility but highly encouraged and recommended to at least wear through the common areas, such as the Lobby, Hallways and Restrooms.
- Anyone who is unable to safely wear a face covering or mask due to age, an underlying medical condition, or is unable to remove the face covering or mask without the assistance of others, we ask to please consult your physician.
Everyone has a role to play. We want to make sure our facility is a safe and nurturing environment for all. This policy will be updated as the status is subject to change or add on. If there are any concerns or have any additional questions, you may contact your branch (find a number here). We cannot thank you all enough for bearing with us during these changes.
UPDATE July 10: We Are Committed to Safety
MEMBER SAFETY
- Close contact with someone with COVID-19
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Loss of taste or smell
- Fever in the last 24 hours
- High temperature at time of entry
WE ARE OPEN FOR PHASE 3!
PLAY & LEARN
$0 JOIN FEE!
UPDATE July 3: We Are Open For Phase 3
MEMBER SAFETY
PLAY & LEARN
UPDATE June 26: Phase 3 Guidelines Now Available
PLAY & LEARN
UPDATE June 19: Phase 3 Guidelines Available Soon
- Play & Learn will reopen with reservations required and limited hours
- Expanded group exercise class schedule
- Some senior classes will begin
- Basketball and Pickleball will have open play
- Steam rooms, saunas and whirlpools will reopen
GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES
UPDATE June 12: Phase 3 Begins July 1
- Play & Learn will reopen with reservations required and limited hours
- Expanded group exercise class schedule
- Some senior classes will begin
- Basketball and Pickleball will have open play
- Steam rooms, saunas and whirlpools will reopen
GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES
UPDATE June 5: Phase 3 Coming Soon
GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES
UPDATE June 2: Now Open For Phase 2!
RESERVATIONS
For Phase 2, group exercise classes and pool lap lanes require reservations in advance. Reservations open up 23 hours prior to the class or swim session start time. Watch our video for instructions on how to reserve your spot. Click here to view the schedule or make a reservation.
At this time we are not requiring reservations for open swim sessions. However, there will be a limited number of spots on the pool deck. Spots will be first come, first serve. Check your branch’s Facebook page or call ahead to check availability.
FORGOT YOUR ACCOUNT?
UPDATE May 29: What To Expect For Phase 2
PHASE 2 BEGINS JUNE 1
RESERVATIONS
For Phase 2, group exercise classes and pool lap lanes will require reservations in advance. Reservations open up 23 hours prior to the class or swim session start time. Watch our video for instructions on how to reserve your spot. Click here to view the schedule or make a reservation.
At this time we are not requiring reservations for family or individual open swim sessions. However, there will be a limited number of spots on the pool deck. Spots will be first come, first serve. Check your branch’s Facebook page or call ahead of time to check availability.
HOURS OF OPERATION
UPDATE May 26: View Our Phase 2 Guidelines
PHASE 2 BEGINS JUNE 1
- Indoor or outdoor pools will reopen for lap swim by reservation.
- Outdoor pools and waterparks will reopen.
- Group exercise classes will begin on a limited schedule by reservation.
- Showers will reopen.
- Play and Learn/Childwatch will remain closed temporarily.
- Read our full guidelines here for more information.
VIRTUAL RESOURCES
UPDATE May 22: Reopening Phase 2 Begins June 1
READY FOR PHASE 2
- Indoor or outdoor pools will reopen for lap swim by reservation.
- Outdoor pools and waterparks will reopen.
- Group exercise classes will begin on a limited schedule by reservation.
- Showers will reopen.
- Play and Learn/Childwatch will remain closed.
- Read our full guidelines here for more information.
- Monday – Friday 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Augusta South Family YMCA, Barnwell County Family YMCA, Marshall Family YMCA, North Augusta Family YMCA, North Jefferson Family YMCA, Riverfront YMCA and Steiner Branch Family YMCA will be open Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and closed Sunday.
- Aiken County Family YMCA, Burke County Family YMCA, Thomson Family YMCA and Wilson Family YMCA will be open Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
- Check with your branch for pool hours.
VIRTUAL RESOURCES
UPDATE May 19: All Branches Now Open!
WELCOME BACK
Hours of Operation: All branches will follow our temporary hours of operation for YMCA Phase I:
- Monday – Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Closed Sunday
VIRTUAL RESOURCES
UPDATE May 15: How is Your Reopening Experience?
GA MEMBER UPDATE
SC BRANCHES REOPENING MAY 18
- Mon-Fri 7am to 7pm
- Saturday 8am to 12pm
- Closed Sunday
Camp Registration is Open!
UPDATE May 12: SC Branches Reopening May 18
SC BRANCHES REOPENING MAY 18
- Mon-Fri 7am to 7pm
- Saturday 8am to 12pm
- Closed Sunday
GA MEMBER UPDATE
Camp Registration is Open!
UPDATE May 8: Here For Good
GA MEMBER UPDATE
SC MEMBER UPDATE
Camp Registration is Open!
WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK
UPDATE May 5: Mobilizing The World Through Giving
GA MEMBER UPDATE
SC MEMBER UPDATE
Feeding Our Community
UPDATE May 1: We Are Thrilled To Serve You
Our Georgia branches are opened! We will continue providing updates to our members every Tuesday and Friday. However, our communications going forward will look a little different as we have divided information for each state. Updates will include any reminders or changes to the reopening guidelines for Georgia members, as well as any new information for our South Carolina members.
GA MEMBER UPDATE:
If you haven’t already, watch our video to learn what you can expect when you walk into one of our facilities. Read our Reopening Guidelines here.
SC MEMBER UPDATE:
OTHER:
UPDATE April 28: Getting Ready For You
We Are Ready For You!
- Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Saturday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Closed Sunday
South Carolina Y Members:
We Want Your Feedback
UPDATE April 24: We Are Ready For You
We Want Your Feedback!
We Are Reopening May 1!
- Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Saturday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Closed Sunday
Support The Y
UPDATE April 20: When This Is Over…
- Members must maintain minimum of 6 feet distance.
- All staff and members will have their temperature checked upon entering the facility.
- Staff will be wearing personal protective equipment (masks and gloves).
- We will have controlled access to the facilities through one entrance.
- Time will be limited on all cardio equipment.
- Group exercise classes will continue virtually through Phase I.
- Locker rooms will be open, but showers will not be available.
- Pools and ChildWatch will reopen in Phase II.
- Click here for a full list of changes during Phase I of our reopening.
UPDATE April 17: Getting Ready For Your Return
Thank You, Y Family
UPDATE April 14: Supporting Our Community
Thanking Our Essential Personnel
Our mission can only be fulfilled because of our members. Thank you for your continued support and patience in these challenging times.
UPDATE April 10: Faith Over Fear
“Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’” Mark 5:36
As we approach Easter Sunday, there’s no better time to remember that He is in control. In these unprecedented times, it’s easy to be caught up in collective fear. There are many uncertainties and changes right now. However, we strive to be a pillar of faith through this pandemic, and to remind you that no one is navigating this alone.
Crosses in the Community
UPDATE April 7: Thank You For Staying With Us
Thank you for staying with us during this difficult time. Your continued membership dues are vital in helping us provide critical programs to the community through the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of you, we are able to offer childcare to essential personnel, provide meals to children and families in need, as well as curate virtual content to keep you healthy in quarantine.
We cannot wait to see our members in our facilities again, and we know you can’t wait either.
Essential Childcare Cookies
Feeding our Community
- Wilson YMCA 11:30 – 1:00
- Thomson YMCA 11:30-1:00
- Aiken YMCA 11:30-1:00
- North Augusta YMCA 11:30- 1:00
#YMCAKindness
UPDATE April 3: We Miss You!
Your Y misses your smiling faces, friendly interactions and warm greetings. We are much more than our facilities; we are a movement of faith, friends and fitness. The Y spirit is alive and well, and here’s what we are doing to provide support for the community during this time:
Childcare
Feeding our Community
Virtual Content
How are you representing the Y during our closure?
UPDATE March 31
Please understand we will re-open our branches as soon as we are given permission. Telephone lines are open at your local branch Monday-Friday from 9 am – 12 pm to discuss your membership options. View branch phone numbers here.
Flowers for Fighters on the Front Lines
Parents using our Essential Personnel Childcare program received flowers provided by Ladybug’s Flowers from their children to thank them for protecting our community. Read the story here.
This program offers free childcare to partnering agencies, including all major hospitals in the CSRA and local governments. Essential Personnel Childcare is available at 4 of our branches: Aiken County Family YMCA, Burke County Family YMCA, North Augusta Family YMCA and Wilson Family YMCA.
Feeding Our Community
Several of our branches have helped feed our community. Thomson and Steiner Branch partnered with Golden Harves Food Bank to host no-contact, drive-through Mobile Markets. Many branches have also given out grab-and-go bags with breakfast and lunch for anyone under 18-years-old. Read the story about Thomson’s food distribution here.
UPDATE March 27 #StickWithTheY
- In cooperation with every major hospital in the CSRA, we are providing free childcare for healthcare workers, first responders and essential personnel. It is our duty and privilege to help take care of these families as they work around the clock to take care of us.
- We are also meeting the needs of those families and people with food shortages. We’ve partnered with Golden Harvest Food Bank to provide boxes of emergency meals. In addition, we have locations throughout the CSRA where we are providing “grab and go” breakfast and lunch for children up to the age of 18.
UPDATE March 20: Our Community Outreach
Essential Personnel Childcare
Feeding our Community Together
UPDATE March 17: YMCA Temporarily Closing All Facilities
Dear Y members,
At the Y, everything we do is in support of building strong communities and providing opportunities for everyone to reach their full potential. For more than 160 years, the Family YMCA of Greater Augusta has worked to meet the critical needs of our communities, and that remains especially true today.
As you know we have been closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and its impact within the communities we serve. Late last week, we reduced program offerings, eliminating all group activities and paid programs, but kept facilities open for individuals in an effort to continue serving the wellness needs of our members.
However, we have made the very careful and thoughtful decision to close all of our YMCA facilities, beginning Wednesday, March 18 – Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
The guidance we are receiving from all sources informs us that the most effective way to curb the spread of COVID-19 is for community members to practice social distancing and remain at home as much as possible. We hope you understand this decision. The Y is so much more than a gym, we are a connected community and service organization. Serving the best interest of all is vital during this difficult time.
Closing our facilities, however, doesn’t mean we’ve “closed shop.” Just the opposite. In many ways this is our moment to truly deliver on our promise of service to those who turn to us for community and to those who turn to us for survival. We’re pivoting and repurposing and working to provide programs and services that will be critical in the coming weeks.
- We are distributing meals and snacks to families with children up to age 18. More information on this service is forthcoming.
- The Y is working with the Golden Harvest Food Bank to expand food pantries at several branches and offer food distribution to the community in the coming days.
- We are developing a childcare program for emergency responders. Working with healthcare partners, the Y will provide childcare for those who don’t have the option to work remotely, including medical professionals, emergency response workers. The first two locations will open by the end of this week at our Wilson and North Augusta branches, with others following in the coming weeks based on need.
- We are providing alternative virtual workouts you can do at home through a vendor relationship. These are professionally produced, robust workouts and fun. Les Mills Home Workouts are available here. We are also producing workout videos with our own local staffs as well as fun activities for kids. Check out our Facebook page here for more information.
As we continue to work hard to keep our facilities safe and clean, we ask our Y members to help us in these efforts. We never make a decision to adjust programs and services in haste. We know these adjustments may be disruptive to you and your family, but we also know you share our commitment to safety, health and well-being. We will keep you informed using our website, social media and email.
For our dedicated members and greatest supporters, thank you for staying with us during these challenging times. You are a part of our effort to support the entire community. As a charitable organization, we humbly ask that you remain a part of the Y family by continuing your membership. Your membership dues are vital in helping us to continue to serve the community during this time of extreme need. While we cannot serve you in person, we are working diligently to provide virtual resources and engaging activities to ensure that your health and wellness continue to be supported.
Please take care of yourself and one another. Our community is strong, and together, we will get through this.
Sincerely,
March 15: YMCA Temporarily Suspends After School Programs For All Closed Districts
Out of an abundance of caution and safety causing recent CSRA school closures, the Family YMCA after school programs will be cancelled until further notice. We will continue to operate in school districts that have not closed their sites. We apologize for any inconveniences in advance and appreciate your understanding to help eliminate the spread of the Corona (COVID-19) Virus. We are monitoring the virus containment plans and processes up-to-the-minute as they develop from the direction of area authorities.
Based on this information, we are developing a plan going forward and will provide you with an update at noon tomorrow on our decisions around offering childcare services. At the Y, we are committed to ensuring the health and well-being of our members, participants and staff. Thank you for partnering with us to help keep our Y community healthy and for your patience as we work together through these challenging times.
March 13: Prevention in Our Facilities
Your Y is regularly cleaned by a local cleaning company and special care is taken by Y staff to meet quality standards in place year-round that keep our facility clean and safe. We have added additional professional “deep cleaning” days as an additional precaution, along with ongoing daily cleanings by staff throughout operational hours. Additionally, we are encouraging everyone to do their part in helping prevent the spread of germs and viruses: Hand washing remains the most effective method of preventing the spread of germs, including coronavirus. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Frequent hand washing and use of antibacterial hand sanitizer are encouraged and practiced throughout our programs by staff and children. Additional everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like coronavirus, include:- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick until you’ve been free of fever for 24 hours.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Operations, Classes, Programs and Services
We have made the very careful and thoughtful decision to close all of our YMCA facilities, beginning Wednesday, March 18 – Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Closing our facilities, however, doesn’t mean we’ve “closed shop.” Just the opposite. In many ways this is our moment to truly deliver on our promise of service to those who turn to us for community and to those who turn to us for survival. We’re pivoting and repurposing and working to provide programs and services that will be critical in the coming weeks.- We are distributing meals and snacks to families with children up to age 18. More information on this service is forthcoming.
- The Y is working with the Golden Harvest Food Bank to expand food pantries at several branches and offer food distribution to the community in the coming days.
- We are developing a childcare program for emergency responders. Working with healthcare partners, the Y will provide childcare for those who don’t have the option to work remotely, including medical professionals, emergency response workers. The first two locations will open by the end of this week at our Wilson and North Augusta branches, with others following in the coming weeks based on need.
- We are providing alternative virtual workouts you can do at home through a vendor relationship. These are professionally produced, robust workouts and fun. Les Mills Home Workouts are available here.