The safety and well-being of our staff, members, volunteers and guests is always the Y’s top priority. It is our social responsibility to do our part in the face of this unprecedented health emergency.
We are thrilled with Governor DeSantis’ announcement that gyms in Florida can reopen starting Monday. As we navigate through reopening our facilities across the First Coast, our team continues to put the needs, health and safety of our members and staff at the forefront of our decision-making process.
We serve many different populations, including our community’s most vulnerable, and are choosing to open in a phased approach. In order to properly prepare our branches for our nearly 48,000 members and train more than 850 employees on new safety guidelines, we will reopen Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day) from 7:00am-3:00pm. These are our regular holiday hours. Hours by branch will be announced soon.
While the Y will look very different with modified programs and new protocols, our commitment to strengthening this community will not. We can’t wait to welcome back our members and staff.
The Y will implement a three-phased approach to offer programs and services to members with appropriate guidance from health officials to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Phases are not time-based and will be modified and revised as guidance changes.
At this time, the Y will expect members and staff to follow these guidelines:
- Updated hours of operation will vary by branch, with time allotted for active older adults and vulnerable populations. Limited facility capacity and class size to meet social distancing guidelines. Reservations will be required for some programs and classes.
- Upon return to work, Y staff (apart from lifeguards on active duty and Group Exercise instructors teaching class), must wear face masks during their shift.
- All members and staff will have temperatures monitored upon entry into Y facilities and are required to practice social distancing.
- Hand sanitizing stations and disinfectant wipes for equipment will be provided throughout the facility.
New stringent cleaning and disinfecting protocols are also being implemented throughout all areas of Y facilities and program sites. The Y will only use cleaners on CDC List N: Disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
At this time, activities such as open gym, swim lessons and adult and/or youth sports will not be available, but will be considered in subsequent phases based on guidance from health officials. We will continue to provide LIVE virtual services to members through our Facebook page and On Demand workouts on YouTube.
We will continue you to update you with new information as we get closer to reopening day.
We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to our Ys!
Summer Camp
At this time, we are planning to hold Summer Day Camp at locations across the First Coast and overnight camp at Camp Immokalee beginning in June. We will be taking extra precautions to help decrease the spread of coronavirus which include limited capacity, temperature checks and daily health surveys. Registration is available online. If you have questions about Summer Day Camp, please call 904.265.1775. If you have questions about Camp Immokalee, please call 352.473.4213.
Child Care
We will continue to offer emergency child care services through May 29 to our health care community, first responders, members and participants in a very limited capacity at locations across the First Coast. We are taking extra precautions to help decrease the spread of the Coronavirus.
Youth Sports and Swim Team
At this time, we do not know when we will be able to resume Youth Sports or Swim Team safely. If you have questions, please contact us your branch.
Virtual Services
Our staff are continuing to work hard for you throughout this time to provide new virtual services and other offerings.
Your membership is so important to the good work that we have been doing for our First Coast community since 1908.
We ask that you continue to pay your membership fee so that we continue to provide necessary services for children, families and adults across the First Coast.
Click here for more details on our impact.
FAQs
Why did you decide to close?
The safety and well-being of our staff, members, volunteers and guests is always the Y’s top priority. As a community organization, it is our social responsibility to do our part in the face of this unprecedented health emergency. With new guidelines and mandates from health officials and government leaders, as well as guidance from key leadership on our Metro Board, we had to temporarily close all branches. This was a precautionary measure and we remain committed to helping keep the First Coast healthy and strong.
Can I place my membership on hold?
While we understand you may feel the need to place your membership on hold, we are encouraging all members to stay engaged with the First Coast YMCA during these uncertain times. The YMCA is committed to keeping this community strong and our First Coast Y staff will continue working to provide new virtual services and other offerings for our members.
Your membership fees during our closure may be converted to a charitable gift to support the Y. This gift is eligible for a tax receipt and you will be making a substantial difference in the lives of our neighbors all over the First Coast.
We will of course honor and respect all requests to hold memberships. If interested, please call 904.265.1775 and leave a voicemail with your contact information. Our staff is working remotely from 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday, and we will do our best to return your call within 48 hours during those times.
How can I get updates about the reopening of branches and programs?
Check our website often for updates, allow notifications from our mobile app and follow us on Facebook. We’ll also continue to send updates through email.
