CMA announces enhanced safety procedures and two Appreciation Days prior to opening

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA), in coordination with state and local government officials, is excited to announce it will reopen to the public again on Friday, May 15th, after being closed for 60 days. The working marine life hospital has continued to rescue, rehabilitate and release marine life while being closed to the public, including releasing 2 endangered sea turtles.

Photos and video for use
Interviews and onsite filming opportunities available starting Friday, May 15

CMA is honored to recognize the efforts of first responders, nurses, active duty military, and teachers during the COVID crisis by allowing them free entry and their kids 12 and under free entry, to Clearwater Marine Aquarium for Appreciation Days on May 13th and May 14th for a unique and special experience. As usual, CMA members get in free, too.

CMA is implementing significant additional safety precautions to protect staff, animals, and guests, while ensuring a fun and educational visit with limited guests. Among the many changes, Clearwater Marine Aquarium will:

  • Limit attendance to 25% of normal capacity
  • Use touchless transactions
  • Add advanced reservations where guests are required to select an arrival date and time and purchase admission online prior to visiting
  • Place signs and floor decals to promote social distancing
  • Install barriers at transaction areas
  • Require all guest-facing staff to wear face masks
  • Implement daily temperature checks for all staff
  • Recommend that guests wear masks

Home to rescued animals like Winter the dolphin from the Dolphin Tale movies, Clearwater Marine Aquarium will welcome all guests, with advanced reservations required, available to be purchased online only at seewinter.com starting Monday, May 11th. This allows CMA to provide a unique experience, with limited capacity for social distancing, while ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness.

“We will be opening very carefully, with the respect of our guests, animals, and staff being held in the highest regard,” said CEO Frank Dame. “We are looking forward to sharing with guests and young learners why our mission to care for the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine life can never stop,” said Dame. “Families will also feel confident when visiting that they will be safe while visiting us.”

“Guests can expect the same happy, informed, and engaged staff to greet them at CMA,” said Dame. “We offer an unforgettable educational experience that you can feel good about because all proceeds go toward our nonprofit work to care for injured marine life, education, research and conservation initiatives.” Dame continued, “All of us cannot wait to welcome our guests back! We truly missed them.”

View additional details and plan your trip at seewinter.com.

Media Contact: Kelsy Long, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, klong@cmaquarium.org or via cell at 410.507.1453.

Media Availability: Friday, May 15

Kelsy Long, Director of Media Relations
Clearwater Marine Aquarium

249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
O: 727.441.1790 x259
C: 410.507.1453
klong@cmaquarium.org
www.SeeWinter.com