A teenage swimming champion from Stamford has gotten thousands of signatures on a petition to let competitive swimmers back in the water before the expected opening date for pools in late June.

Most public and private swimming spots are expected to stay closed until then. Jacob Sherman, who created the petition, says as long as everyone stays in their lane, he believes it can be done safely.

He says he was inspired to create the petition due to the success of athletes in Kentucky.

State Sen. Bob Duff says that if the swimming is a singular activity, and no one else is in the pool, accommodations could be made.

Most scientists believe chlorine can kill coronavirus. Sherman says that the next step would be allowing some people to swim laps for exercise.