COVID CONDITIONS CHECK

If you had COVID-19 or have previously tested positive for COVID-19, you MUST tell your instructor so they can make sure you know the required steps for you to be able to participate in class.

If you are not comfortable with the current state of the virus, please contact us at Wet Rocks Diving. Safety is our #1 priority. Please remember that we still don’t know the long term effects of COVID; one’s ability to continue diving could be challenged if pulmonary or circulatory damage occurs. Anyone who has any possible symptoms within 60 days of class (or guided dives) or has been contact-traced/possible exposure within 40 days of class (or guided dives) should reschedule. If you have previously tested positive for COVID-19, please see your student profile at GUE.COM, “Statement of Understanding” for requirements to join class post-recovery. Guidees or coaching clients should refer to the Health Declaration and Statement of Understanding below.

There will be NO financial penalties for those who reschedule due to COVID symptoms, potential contact, or COVID concerns. Students who have rescheduled, even if a new date has not been selected, will be permitted and encouraged to do the online portions of the class while they wait for their class and thus will likely get MORE instruction and MORE value for their tuition. Rescheduled clients will be grandfathered for professional fee pricing in place at the time of their original class date.

GUE’s COVID Infection Risk Reduction Protocols

Please also see our FORMS PAGE

COVID PROTOCOLS for PRE- & DURING- CLASS/EVENT **important**

Wet Rocks will be using a “color-coded” set of protocols that will slide from least protective to most protective and will be chosen about a month before each class based on the current USA/global COVID conditions as well as the risk tolerance of those involved in the class or event.

The webpage is provided to highlight the most important points in Wet Rocks Diving COVID-19 Procedures, Risk Acknowledgment, and Liability Release v2.4. Students and participants must read, understand, and comply with this document. You will be asked to sign before your event.

WHAT IS INFORMING WHICH COLOR PROTOCOLS

….will be in effect for your class/event with Wet Rocks.

• A minor infection with COVID could produce long-term effects that would be considered minor by the CDC, but for a diver, may restrict or eliminate them from the sport. 
• Transmissibility (R₀) of current dominant variant or a rising variant of concern.
• The effectiveness of vaccines against transmission of and/or infection by a current or rising variant. 
• Degree of community spread in North Florida, the USA in general, and from where class/event participants are coming.
• Data on “long-COVID” (post-acute covid viral syndrome) for those who have been vaccinated and had breakthrough cases, for both hospitalized and non-hospitalized, including for variants of concern.
• Concern of the participants and instructors involved for a particular date.
• Length of pre-class protocol periods has been determined by a combination of the CDC-advised incubation periods before symptoms could develop and/or sufficient viral load produced to reach the sensitivity of currently available tests. Further, it allows sufficient time to obtain follow-up testing in the rare case of a false-positive.

DEFINITIONS

First a few definitions Wet Rocks will use to describe these protocols.

For COVID protocol purposes, who is considered in your TEAM?

• Your teammates for the class/event
• Your in-water Wet Rocks Diving instructor or guide
• Anyone sharing your rental accommodations with you, even if not in the class/event (e.g. spouse etc)
• Anyone sharing a Wet Rocks-booked private charter with a class, but not taking the class.

Who can you can consider to be VACCINATED for these protocols:

• Fully-vaccinated in this document means 2-weeks or more since the second shot of a two-dose vaccine brand or 2-weeks or more since a single-dose vaccine brand & BOOSTED
• Household members who have been fully-vaccinated
• Close friends who have been fully-vaccinated
• ASK THEM about vaccination status, please do not assume!

Back To: GREEN YELLOW ORANGE RED

What are Wet Rocks Diving’s BOOSTER/BOOSTED requirements:

If you are in a class/booking where all participants have decided to be fully-vaccinated, a booster shot may be required. Boosters are required if the CDC says that you “should” get a booster on their website here. These booster recommendations may be triggered by any of the following, or a combination of the following:

• Brand of vaccine received
• Time since your last dose
• Your age
• Your occupation
• Your underlying medical conditions
• And CDC change in definition of “fully vaccinated” to require booster(s) or additional dose(s).

There will be a one-month grace period for Wet Rocks class and events if the CDC upgrades their recommendation from “may” to “should” for any of your applicable categories or recommends subsequent booster(s)/dose(s). 

At the time of this writing (8 Sept 2022), everyone 17 years old and older (12 years old and older for Pfizer) SHOULD get an UPDATED BIVALENT booster shot if:

• You are 2 or more months since you completed your primary vaccine series and/or 2 months or more since your most recent monovalent booster (the original booster offered).

Back To: GREEN YELLOW ORANGE RED

Who you should consider as UNVACCINATED for these protocols:

• Any stranger
• Co-workers in a workplace where you cannot ask vaccination status.
• Co-workers in a workplace where vaccination is required but verification is only done by honor system.
• Anyone who you know to not be vaccinated.
• Anyone with active COVID-19, with or without symptoms.
• Anyone from the above “vaccinated” group who has tested posted for COVID in the last 40 days and has not yet received a negative PCR test.
• Anyone from the above “vaccinated” group who is vaccinated, but it has been less than 2 weeks since the last dose for their vaccine brand.
• Anyone from the above “vaccinated” group who received a BOOSTER, but it has been less than 2 week since the booster.
• Anyone from the above “vaccinated” group who is overdue for a BOOSTER, per BOOSTER guidance from the CDC.

Back To: GREEN YELLOW ORANGE RED

MASS GATHERING EVENTS

• Concerts
• Conventions
• Large sporting events even if outdoors
• Cruises
• Theme parks
• Movie theatres, or any theatre if food/drink served
• Any other large gatherings of people

Back To: GREEN YELLOW ORANGE RED

HIGHER-RISK ACTIVITIES

• Dine in restaurants, even if outdoors
• Bars
• Nightclubs
• Gyms
• Salons, barber shops, spa and massage facilities
• Malls and non-essential shopping
• Dive boats
• Dental cleanings (non-emergency dental work)
• Locations with COVID-outbreaks
• Locations where those exposed to COVID are allowed to attend before being cleared by PCR test
• Locations where those who have tested positive are allowed to attend

Back To: GREEN YELLOW ORANGE RED

CLOSE QUARTERS ACTIVITIES (especially if long duration and/or with others who are unmasked)

• Conference rooms
• Meetings in small offices

Back To: GREEN YELLOW ORANGE RED

TRANSPORTATION ACTIVITIES

• Public transportation or rideshares
• Airports and airplanes

Back To: GREEN YELLOW ORANGE RED

ESSENTIAL ACTIVITIES

• Grocery shopping 
• Take-out food pickup
• Outdoor exercise
• Necessary errands: pharmacy etc
• Attending work, if unable to work from home

Back To: GREEN YELLOW ORANGE RED

PROPER MASK USE

• Properly fit
• Properly worn to cover both mouth and nose
• Multi-layered material
• No exhaust valves
• No bandanas or tight-fitting gaiters
• Use of high quality masks (see below) suggested in all situations, required in some situations (see the “Color” Protocols).

Back To: GREEN YELLOW ORANGE RED

The Wet Rocks definition of HIGH-QUALITY MASK:

• A properly fit and properly worn respirator-style mask — N95 or better. 
• For KN95/KN94s please make sure you get them from a reputable source, there are reports of many of this type on Amazon and other online sources being counterfeit.

Back To: GREEN YELLOW ORANGE RED

Back To: GREEN YELLOW ORANGE RED

PRE-CLASS/PRE-EVENT “COLOR” PROTOCOLS AND BEHAVIORS

If you have questions regarding if an activity you need to or want to do during your pre-class period is acceptable, please email. We will use reason and logic with an eye to the risk mitigation needed for your team.

GREEN PROTOCOL

In the 60 days before your class/event with Wet Rocks (applies to vaccinated and unvaccinated alike):

• Educate and monitor yourself for possible COVID symptoms.
• Notify Wet Rocks diving immediately if you have any symptom(s)
• Wet Rocks will consult the latest CDC guidance for the best timeframe to obtain a PCR test to rule out COVID.

In the 10 days before your class/event with Wet Rocks (15 days if participant is unvaccinated):

• Wear a mask when around strangers and/or the UNVACCINATED
• May be unmasked around friends and family who have been VACCINATED. 
• Wear a high quality mask during transportation activities
• Whenever feasible, wear a high quality mask during close quarters activities
• No mass gathering events 
• Same protocols continue until the conclusion of your event/class.
• Pre-class testing: Only if unvaccinated: PCR Testing, see testing protocols below.

YELLOW PROTOCOL

In the 60 days before your class/event with Wet Rocks (applies to vaccinated and unvaccinated alike):

• Educate and monitor yourself for possible COVID symptoms.
• Notify Wet Rocks diving immediately if you have any symptom(s)
• Wet Rocks will consult the latest CDC guidance for the best timeframe to obtain a PCR test to rule out COVID.

In the 10 days before your class/event with Wet Rocks  (15 days if participant is unvaccinated):

• Wear a mask when around strangers and/or the UNVACCINATED including when in close proximity outdoors
• May be unmasked around friends and family who have been VACCINATED. 
• Wear a high quality mask during transportation activities
• Whenever feasible, Wear a high quality mask during close quarters activities
• No mass gathering events 
• No higher-risk activities 
• Same protocols continue until the conclusion of your event/class.
• Pre-class testing: Only if unvaccinated: PCR Testing, see testing protocols below.
• In-class testing (at instructor discretion): Rapid antigen testing provided by Wet Rocks on day 1, see testing protocols below.

ORANGE PROTOCOL

In the 60 days before your class/event with Wet Rocks (applies to vaccinated and unvaccinated alike):

• Educate and monitor yourself for possible COVID symptoms.
• Notify Wet Rocks diving immediately if you have any symptom(s)
• Wet Rocks will consult the latest CDC guidance for the best timeframe to obtain a PCR test to rule out COVID.

In the 10 days before your class/event with Wet Rocks  (15 days if participant is unvaccinated):

• Wear a mask when around strangers and/or the UNVACCINATED including when in close proximity outdoors
• May be unmasked around friends and family who have been VACCINATED. 
• Wear a mask around family and friends who are attending mass gatherings or high risk activities.
• Wear a high quality mask during transportation activities
• Wear a high quality mask during close quarters activities
• No mass gathering events 
• No higher-risk activities 
• Same protocols continue until the conclusion of your event/class.
• Pre-class testing:  All participants obtain PCR Testing, see testing protocols below.
• In-class testing (at instructor discretion):  Rapid antigen testing provided by Wet Rocks on at least day 1, see testing protocols below.

RED PROTOCOL

The red protocol requires a pre-class/pre-event/pre-dive lockdown. Use your final week before class to review online learning and prepare (hint hint).

Any UNVACCIANTED participants will be rescheduled to a lower risk time or higher risk-tolerance team.

Any participants who are overdue for a BOOSTER (per CDC guidance) will also be rescheduled.

In the 60 days before your class/event with Wet Rocks:

• Educate and monitor yourself for possible COVID symptoms.
• Notify Wet Rocks diving immediately if you have any symptom(s)
• Wet Rocks will consult the latest CDC guidance for the best timeframe to obtain a PCR test to rule out COVID.

In the 10 days before your class/event with Wet Rocks:

• Pre-class lockdown = No non-essential activities. 
• Use your final week before class for online learning review, hint hint.
• Wear a high quality mask ANYTIME you are indoors, regardless of other people’s vaccination status.
• Wear a mask outdoors when in close proximity to others.
• Wear a high quality mask during transportation activities and close quarters activities
• Wear a mask around household members if they are ANY of the following:
  • Not fully VACCINATED
  • Doing higher-risk activities
  • Attending mass gathering events
  • Not wearing a mask outside the household
  • Have had an exposure to COVID in the 14 days before your class/event
• No mass gathering events 
• No higher-risk activities 
• Same protocols continue until the conclusion of your event/class.
• Pre-class testing: All participants obtain PCR Testing, see testing protocols below.
• In-class testing (at instructor discretion): Rapid antigen testing provided by Wet Rocks on at least day 1, see testing protocols below.

PCR (MOLECULAR) TESTING – pre-class protocol for VACCINATED participants

• Each participant must obtain a negative PCR test.
• You must have started the “pre-class color-coded protocol” (or lockdown) behaviors described above at least 5 days = 120 hours before the sample is collected.
• Provide the official, written results to Wet Rocks Diving.
• The results must arrive before checking into group lodging or the start of class/event, whichever comes first.
• Please investigate test availability and turn-around time for your home area WELL BEFORE your pre-class period. If test results may take longer, you may start your pre-class lockdown more than 10 days before class as to have enough time to receive your results before class. Remember you must be in lockdown for at least 5 days = 120 hours before sample is collected.
• You must maintain the “pre-class color-coded protocol” (or lockdown) behaviors after the sample is taken until the conclusion of your class/event.
• In the rare instance of a suspected false-positive, two additional PCR tests should be obtained, and possibly physician approval may be needed, to clear the participant for the class/event. This is why you need to start your “pre-class color-coded protocol” early and test as close to the 5-day mark as possible; this provides time to obtain follow-up testing if needed and thus bullet-proof your class/event.

PCR (MOLECULAR) TESTING – pre-class protocol for UNVACCINATED participants

• Each participant must obtain a negative PCR.
• You must have started the “pre-class color-coded protocol” (or lockdown) behaviors described above at least 10 days = 240 hours before the sample is collected.
• Provide the official, written results to Wet Rocks Diving.
• The results must arrive before checking into group lodging or the start of class/event, whichever comes first.
• Please investigate test availability and turn-around time for your home area WELL BEFORE your pre-class period. If test results may take longer, you may start your pre-class lockdown earlier than 15 days before class as to have enough time to receive your results before class. Remember you must be in lockdown for at least 10 days = 240 hours before sample is collected. Sample cannot have been collected more than 5 days before the start of your class/event.
• Your Wet Rocks instructor/staff may request additional rapid antigen testing pre-class, see protocol below.
• You must maintain the “pre-class color-coded protocol” (or lockdown) behaviors after the sample is taken until the conclusion of your class/event.

PCR (MOLECULAR) TESTING – background info

• Variety of collection methods: spit tests, lower nasal, and upper nasal.
• Variety of testing locations: some in-person, some at home and mail-in.
• Must be sent to a lab for analysis. Also called an RT-PCR NAAT test.
• Suggested sources:
  • “72-hour” tests designed for international travel clearance
  • CVS, Walgreens
  • Your local board of health
  • Amazon.com at-home PCR ($39 which includes next-day shipping, results in 24 hours from when lab receives it… watch for weekends or holidays). You can order it in advance, collect sample at home, mail into the lab.
• PROS: Gold standard test with excellent specificity and sensitivity. May be covered by insurance/Cares Act. Low instance of false positives and false negatives.
• CONS: Takes 1-3+ days to get results, not always available, some tests can run over $100 (this varies widely), some collection methods have minor discomfort.

RAPID ANTIGEN – pre-class protocol

• Each participant will obtain a two-test kit. Plan ahead and buy well in advance, there have been shortages. The kit costs between $14-25
• Take first test between 72-48 hours before start of class
• Send a picture (text or email) to Wet Rocks with results of first test.
• Take second test between 12-24 hours before start of class
• Send a picture (text or email) to Wet Rocks with results of second test.

RAPID ANTIGEN – in-class protocol

• Wet Rocks will provide and administer a rapid antigen test to all participants on at least the first day of the class/event.

RAPID ANTIGEN – background info

• Common brands: BinaxNow, InteliSwab
• Is a lower nasal swab or “spit sample” type, take-home test. Not a “brain tickler”
• Works by detecting proteins in the COVID virus. Having antibodies or being vaccinated will not affect accuracy.
• Often done in a two-test process, with each test separated by 24-36 hours.
• PROS: Self-administered, inexpensive, available at Walmart.com, CVS, Walgreens, takes 15-20 minutes to get results, excellent specificity (low incidence of false positives)
• CONS: Is not the gold standard test, only moderate sensitivity (15-20% of tests yield a false negative result), shortages — need to plan ahead and keep on-hand.

CONSEQUENCES

…of violating Wet Rocks COVID policies or protocols

• I wish I didn’t have to write these, but sadly, it seems people need to know the potential consequences that await them. We are an organization that values team, so infractions that put your team at greater risk than agreed to (and for classes, your team includes your instructor), will not be taken lightly. Honesty and integrity are important qualities to a successful team.
• Anyone who violates the COVID protocols (color code) for their Wet Rocks class/event date, this would include any violation during the pre-class period, in-class period, or of any testing protocols in place, shall be immediately removed from the class or event at the sole discretion of Wet Rocks Diving and no refund and no rescheduling will be granted.
• Anyone who makes a teammate or Wet Rocks staff member or instructor uncomfortable with regard to their honesty about COVID protocols shall be immediately removed from the class or event at the sole discretion of Wet Rocks Diving and no refund and no rescheduling will be granted.
• Anyone who indicated on the Wet Rocks COVID Questionnaire that they are vaccinated and stated they were willing to voluntarily provide proof of vaccination, if they later refuse to provide proof of vaccination, may be removed from the class at the sole discretion of Wet Rocks Diving. If we are unable to fill the seat, your tuition, credit card processing fees, and any class expenses that affect your teammates, will not be refunded. This is because classes have been formed to match you with students of similar preference.
• Anyone who does not disclose a prior COVID infection to Wet Rocks Diving/GUE (this question is asked on both the Wet Rocks COVID Questionnaire and the GUE Student Profile Medical Questionnaire) shall be immediately removed from the class or event at the sole discretion of Wet Rocks Diving and no refund and no rescheduling will be granted.
• Any pre-class or in-class violations discovered after the class has concluded may affect your certification/renewal at the sole discretion of Wet Rocks Diving and no tuition and no rescheduling will be granted. Any credits with Wet Rocks Diving will be forfeited. Also, see next point.
• If any of the above violations occur in relation to a GUE class, a grade of FAIL will be entered into the GUE system (a 1 in the “Teamwork, Demeanor” category). Notes will be entered into the system for future GUE instructors on the nature of the infraction. Depending on the severity of the infraction, non-renewal may be recommended.
• Any of the above violations may result in forfeiture of Wet Rocks Diving alumni benefit, online learning access, and privileges at Wet Rocks Diving’s sole discretion.
• Any GUE.com registration fees are not under the control of Wet Rocks Diving; students should assume they will not be refunded nor transferred if you are removed from class under this policy.

REFUGE

…for those with a COVID exposure or protocol violation pre- or during-class/event.

• Any student or participant should report any of the following to their instructor/Wet Rocks Diving BEFORE coming into contact with other students, participants, or Wet Rocks Staff/Instructors:
  • suspects they may have been exposed to COVID,
  • has had a unexpected risk factor,
  • accidentally violated the pre-class/in-class protocols,
  • has contracted COVID, or
  • has COVID-like symptoms
• Depending on the situation, class might continue with the informed consent of all participants; although additional precautions might be taken.
• If information is volunteered and teammates/staff are not recklessly exposed, any tuition payments made will be transferred to a new class date with Wet Rocks at Wet Rocks Diving’s sole discretion.  While some expenses are beyond our control, all attempts will be made when possible to transfer your investment to a future Wet Rocks class date. GUE.com registration fees are not controlled by Wet Rocks; in this situation, Wet Rocks will advocate that they be extended to new dates.
• Wet Rocks Diving will make rapid antigen tests available at no cost during class for situations where a participant doesn’t “feel normal” but otherwise doesn’t have a known contact or significant risk vector where a higher sensitivity test may be necessary.
• There will be NO financial penalties for those who reschedule due to COVID symptoms/potential-contact or COVID concerns. Students who have rescheduled, even if a new date has not been selected, will be permitted and encouraged to do the online portions of the class while they wait for their class and thus will likely get MORE instruction and MORE value for their tuition. Rescheduled clients will be grandfathered at the professional fee pricing in effect at the time of their original class/event date.

DURING CLASS/EVENT PROCEDURES

• Mask and hygiene policy
  • Types of face-covering masks allowed/disallowed
    • Properly fit, covering nose and mouth
    • NO face-coverings with exhaust valves
    • NO single-layer or tight-fitting gaiters or bandanas
    • Suggest: high quality masks, such as N95 or better.
  • Masks required all times people closer than 10ft regardless if indoors or outside
  • Even when masks are worn, a spacing of 6ft or greater should be maintained whenever possible
  • Participants may choose to wear eye protection.
• Frequent hand washing/sanitizing especially before/after:
  • eating/drinking
  • handling common equipment (analyzers, props etc)
  • We will try to have hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and extra disposal face-covering masks available whenever possible. Suggest also bringing your own supply.
• Avoiding classrooms (air-conditioned/recirculated-air spaces)
  • Be prepared to be outside all-day, with appropriate clothing (check the weather: we have both winter & summer, sometimes in the same week)
  • Sun protection (although we will try to stay in the shade)
  • Have enough drinking water
• Rental house common spaces
  • Masks shall be used
  • Suggest bringing sanitizing wipes
• Transitioning to scuba gear
  • Gearing up/down: ideally, each diver should be separated by >10ft when not wearing face coverings
  • Pre-dive checks: separated, if not wear face coverings
  • Walking to/from water: use of your regulator recommended
  • Breathing from a SCUBA regulator (especially if your nose is blocked by a scuba mask) protects YOU, but DOES NOT protect those around you who are breathing the ambient environment as scuba regulators DO NOT filter their exhaust.
  • Maintain minimum 6ft separation (10ft separation preferred) from all other participants and staff when not wearing a mask.
• In-water
  • Please avoid using spit to defog your mask. Please use commercial defog or baby shampoo, etc.
  • Please refrain from spitting/blowing nose while in the water. This is especially important when diving the springs as freshwater does not kill the virus as quickly as salt or treated pool water.
  • Surface policies: Either 10ft separation (preferred) or everyone but speaker breathes from regulator. Not using your regulator when close to others puts you (the speaker) at risk. All shall leave their scuba mask in place.  Maintain minimum 6ft separation (10ft separation preferred) from all other participants and staff when not wearing a nose/mouth-covering mask.
  • No borrowing/sharing of equipment that goes in your mouth or on your face, unless it is a real underwater emergency
  • Drills will be modified so that each diver is only using their own regulators and own masks 
  • Debriefs might be delayed until after de-kit so that face coverings may again be worn.
• Biggest challenges are at water’s surface, when we have scuba gear on, and walking pathways/stairs to and from the water – CANNOT MITIGATE ALL RISKS!