Swimming During Coronavirus? Riverside County Gives Update

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The first heat wave of the year began in earnest Friday, with temperatures in western Riverside County soaring into the mid-90s and edging above 100 in the Coachella Valley, prompting forecasters to advise against outdoor activity to limit exposure — and prompting residents to ask whether it's OK to go swimming amid coronavirus.

According to the National Weather Service, the intense heat will continue through Saturday, with temperatures remaining unseasonably warm Sunday, followed by a reprieve on Monday before another scorcher arrives in the middle of next week.

A heat advisory issued by the NWS is in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday. The advisory encompasses the entire inland region, noting, "This will be the first widespread heat of 2020 (for the area)."

"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun," the NWS advises. "Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke."

For those itching to get into a swimming pool, the county's top health official issued new guidelines Friday stating that private community pools — such as those in gated housing and apartment complexes, hotels/motels, and country clubs — may open. But there's a catch: Only one swimmer is allowed in the water at a time, regardless of how big the pool is, according to Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser.

Gatherings around the pool are not permitted, although a parent or guardian should be on hand to supervise a minor child.

Kaiser also mandated that all pool-area furniture (chairs, chaises, etc.) must be removed or stacked/chained in a way that makes it unusable. Drinking fountains and showers must remain closed and/or roped off from use, and high touch areas like hand rails, restroom surfaces, light switches, dispensers, faucets, and door knobs must be sanitized frequently, according to Kaiser.

Lake Elsinore residents who want to take a dip in the lake can do so this weekend, although social distancing rules apply, according to city spokesperson Nicole Dailey.

According to weather forecasters, the high in Riverside Saturday will be 96, while in Palm Springs, the mercury will slightly exceed 100, and the Temecula Valley will enjoy slightly cooler temps, in the low 90s.

Clear skies will reign all weekend, with some clouds in the mornings.

Meteorologists said temperatures will moderate Sunday night through Monday, but another spike into the 90s for most of the region is predicted Tuesday and Wednesday, as a ridge of high pressure builds over the region.

—City News Service contributed to this report.