Competitive Swimming Training information, according to the National Weather Service, The Best Pool Alarms For Keeping Kids Safe. DPR operates 2 indoor eight-lane pools which offer a number of water programs including water exercise, swim lessons, swim teams, lap swim, and recreational swim. National Athletic Trainers Association, Inc.: . People who have been struck by lightning do not retain an electrical charge and can be handled safely. fiA$10[LI0yl2 `"E>Db@$e`Tn(8L2 m NRPA Online Learning is a cost-effective and flexible way to educate staff, provide training and earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) without leaving the comfort of your home or office. The good news is that national statistics do not include any deaths from lightning to people in indoor pools. ODg4NTE4OTAwY2NjY2E3OTEyMmMyN2Q3YzI4ODVhZDA2OWMyODQwMjU5MDli Enroll your children in Red Cross swimming lessons. View our privacy policy. NzFjOGQzMmI0ZGVlNDQ2YjQ5ZWY4N2FlZWI3OTliZDY5N2EzZWJjN2JmOWZm Each additional sound of thunder or sight of lightning begins a new countdown. Recovering After a Thunderstorm NTVhM2Q4ZTliMTAyZDZhMDBmMjgxNDVjZWZlYTc5NzFhNTI2YjE4NGI0OTc1 Red Banded swimmers will be required to: YELLOW BAND A yellow band establishes that the swimmer is shallow water competent and allows swimmers to swim in the shallow area without a PFD. Guests, under the age of 18, must have a parent/legal guardian complete and sign the liability waiver prior to their visit. Backyard pools can provide many hours of summer fun, but they can also be dangerous. Never lie flat on the ground. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The pools have a portable aquatic lift to assist patrons who may not have the ability to access the pool via vertical ladders and stair systems. Lightning most frequently occurs within 10 miles of a thunderstorm (although there are occurrences when cloud-to-ground lightning strikes known as "bolts from the blue can strike up to 20 miles away from a thunderstorm). Y2ZmZjU4YjhhYmY5MDE1MjliZTQ4Y2NlYzY2NTQxMmM3Njc2MTZlODAyN2Yw The discussion of lightning and indoor pools must include addressing the nature of humans. startxref NWQ1OGEyMzNlYWU5OGRkNGQwYjk0MzI3MWI2ZWQwZGZkZDQ1OWIyZjY0MmMx <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<5D2627AE616F8522CAB89B973259BFD5><7A085458D21DB2110A0000F7708B82FF>]/Index[14 19]/Info 13 0 R/Length 59/Prev 33625/Root 15 0 R/Size 33/Type/XRef/W[1 2 1]>>stream Summer is the peak season for outdoor and water-related activities, and when most lightning deaths and injuries occur. Thanks to the proliferation of social media, if there had been one, everyone would know about it. Swim the length of the pool, unassisted, with either front crawl or breaststroke. Establish pool rules. Follow these steps if someone has been struck by lightning: If your community has experienced a disaster, let friends and family know you're safe. NTgwMWNjYmM5OWVlZDFjMGRlY2ExNGNhZmJmOWYzYjQ0NGUwMGIwYmI2M2I1 <>stream Shutter windows and close outside doors securely. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Saving Lives, Protecting People, Natural Disasters, Severe Weather, and COVID-19, Lightning Information for Water Activities, CDC: Lightning Information for Organized Sporting Events, CDC: Lightning Information for Water Activities, National Weather Service: Lightning Safety, National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), Natural Disasters and COVID-19: Preparedness Information for Specific Groups, COVID-19 Resources for Professionals & Emergency Workers, Reduce Exposure to Wildfire Smoke during theCOVID-19 Pandemic, Generic Plans for COVID-19 Specimen Testing and Management During a Hurricane, Protecting Disproportionately Affected Populations from Extreme Heat, Information for Professionals and Response Workers, Preparedness and Safety Messaging for Hurricanes, Flooding, and Similar Disasters (Second Edition | 2022), Information for Organized Sporting Events, Epidemiologic Methods for Relief Operations, How to Help Loved Ones in Hurricane-Affected Areas, Resources for Emergency Health Professionals, Health and Safety Concerns for All Disasters, Fact Sheet: Protection from Animal and Insect Hazards, Clinical Guidance for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, CO Poisoning: Flyers and Educational Materials, Checklist for Reopening Healthcare Facilities, Keep Food Safe After a Disaster or Emergency, Use Safe Water After a Natural Disaster or Emergency, Prevent Illness and Injury After a Disaster, Immunization Recommendations for Individuals, Immunization Recommendations for Responders, Preventing Chain Saw Injuries During Tree Removal After a Disaster, Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event, Coping After a Natural Disaster: Resources for Teens, Finding a New Normal: Life After a Natural Disaster, Healthy Ways to Deal with Stress after a Natural Disaster, Helping Teens Cope After a Natural Disaster, Resources for State and Local Governments, Emergency Responders: Tips for taking care of yourself, Infection Control Guidance for Community Evacuation Centers, Respiratory Infections in Evacuation Centers, Medical Management and Patient Advisement, Human Trafficking in the Wake of a Disaster, Guidance for General Population Disaster Shelters During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Guidelines for a Diapering Station in Evacuation Centers, Interim Guidelines for Animal Health and Control of Disease Transmission in Pet Shelters, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The weather watcher has primary, but not sole, responsibility for observation of and updates on weather conditions. 22 0 obj endstream We do not distribute or sell your email address to anyone. Guests, under the age of 18, MUST be accompanied by a Community YMCA adult member. If you are caught in an open area, Do NOT lie down. Communication tools include: Public address, loudspeaker system (fixed and/or on mobile vehicles), Internal television and/or radio broadcasts, At the beginning of the shift, designee notifies staff of weather forecasts that may impact operations that day. If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take shelter in a substantial building or in a vehicle with the windows closed. This is potentially because organizations policies are to clear the pools. While some did not hear the warning, others heard the warning and did not pay attention to it. <>stream Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. YXR1cmUiOiIxMTk3ZjFjNThhYjg0MWNmN2ZiNDA0ZjM3ZjlmODkxYzgyNTcx 2MfB ukXkvW#qcAov%|f6` 0 Stay away from objects that conduct electricity, such as barbed wire fences, power lines, or windmills. Have active, adult (18+) supervision within arms-length at all times while in the water. The same idea applies with lightning. Swim half the length of the pool, on stomach, unassisted. Check the person for burns and other injuries. If you are in a forest, shelter near lower trees. Have adult (18+) supervision at all times from either in the water or from the pool deck. MmM0YTEwZWE5NGZiYjk3ZTE5YTg0YmFiZmIyYjk1ZmIzMTc0MThlNzg0ODVj Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Vulnerable locations include: beaches, outdoor pools, diving boards, lifeguard stands, and nearby outdoor recreational facilities. Some agencies vacillate between evacuating and not evacuating the pool. Keep them under your direct control. If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. endstream endobj 236 0 obj <>stream YzMwMGQyYjlkNzZkZGZjNzBmZTA5MDg5NmM4MjMzYzg2YTFmYTNiMzhkZGI1 Re: Visit an FKK. Two fatal incidents from 2013-2014 were received in 2015. In addition to The Swimming Pool Regulations, 1999, this design/operational standard applies to any swimming pool governed by the regulations that is not a whirlpool. Sexually explicit conversation or behavior. When a thunderstorm threatens, clear the pool. 280 0 obj <>stream 2. Our Guest Policy is subject to change without notice. Wear a U.S. Coast Guard Approved flotation device (PFD), except for PFD FREE swim times. Post the policy and educate your employees. "Just think of shark attacks. These drownings primarily involve young children who gain . We know electricity and water do not mix, but we continue to keep pools open with electricity driving their disinfection, circulation and filtration 24/7, even though there is an electrocution risk. Most often, children who drown do so in a pool when a caregiver is not paying attention, if only for a second. Because it is impossible to foresee or communicate every situation that may arise, we reserve the right to amend or add a policy/operating rule to ensure the safety and comfort of all. Begin counting at the sight of the lightning flash. Stop counting at the sound of related thunder. Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind. You can review and change the way we collect information below. The second prerequisite, a lightning protection system, is not a common component of pool buildings. Have a means to garner daily weather forecasts and updates. One last point: a detail both sides repeat is that nobody has ever been killed by lightning while swimming. Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur. 16 0 obj If the person is breathing normally, look for other possible injuries and care for them as necessary. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT safe. Below are some things you want to know about Guest Visits at our Y: Guests may have limited access to YMCA facilities including: Proper Identification for Guests All guests are required to show a valid, government-issued photo-ID (state ID/drivers license, or school issued ID). NjIyZjcxZTZlODNlMzBhNDY3ZWRjMTkxZTNlODRiZTRlMTY2OGJkOGE5YjRl They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. There are several documented instances of lightning striking indoor pools through glass or open windows and contacting the pool bottom, bleachers or a lifeguard chair. MzAwMGEwNDdkMGM4YTcyZDYwZjBhMDY2M2QxNjU4YWY5YTI0N2Q0MDZlMTg3 NGI5YmM4MDg2MDM2NzM5ZGRlNGRjNmYzOWFmMWFiZTQxOWJjNzhjYzc4ZGE0 MmY3YzUxZTk3NzU3OGJiOGQyN2RmMzVlZDA4YzUxZjFlN2U4MjAzMTU1ZDY5 %%EOF "If someone in an indoor pool was killed by lightning, it would be such a sensational and scary story all the media outlets would have it," he says. All guests must complete and sign the liability waiver prior to their visit. Determine what actions to take based on the threat level, including: Whether to evacuate facilities or just issue warnings and advice on safe shelter, When to notify staff and patrons that the threat has subsided and normal activities can resume. The American Red Cross and the National Lightning Safety Institute continue to recommend the proactive action of removing swimmers from indoor pools as a lightning or violent storm approaches, and until after it passes. A lightning protection system provides a means for controlling a lightning strike and thereby preventing damage to the building components (including indoor swimming pools). Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. NDRlNDQxNGY2YzA1YTAwOGZhZjUxZWUyYTRjODYwNjE2ZTM0ODJkNzUyZTk2 Of those daily accidents, 2 of them are children. Our mission, as Aquatic Risk Managers, is to reduce and warn against potential risks. See the fullAquatic Swim Safety Testing Policy. 1) ZERO CASES. MmVkZjZhOTgyZWFhMzcxMjdkMmQ1ZTM5OGIzZThmYTVlNTdhOWJkMzJiZmEx The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), Community Project Funding Is Essential for Park Projects, Choosing a Career in Parks and Recreation, Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) Certification, Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Certification, Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) Certification, Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification, Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), Proclaim July as Park and Recreation Month In Your Community, NRPA Innovation Labs: Sponsorship Opportunities, Lightning Safety for People at Swimming Pools Revised and Updated December 2015, National Athletic Trainers Association Position Statement: Lightning Safety for Athletics and Recreation, Lightning Safety and Outdoor Sports Activities. Yes, swimming lessons are still safe during COVID, according to CDC findings. The length of closure may adjust as conditions dictate. /content/redcross/en/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/thunderstorm. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Many inconsistencies and misconceptions exist regarding the lightning safety protocol for indoor swimming pools. Aside from these general precautions, you can also purchase a lightning monitor or use a lightning map to see how close the storm is. Use a weather radio, a weather app, or TV program to obtain information about nearby storms. There are no documented reports of fatal lightning strikes at indoor swimming pools. Community YMCA locations include the Lansdowne, Ridley and Springfield branches. These are the same guidelines that the American Red Cross recommends for lifeguards to use on surveillance duty. Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms. HTVn]GNb$ H b*@&^.!y}zy?}x/o^?zz:W]b_q`t|Z_:nweiu g.-GHy>ziRj^QthMWZ-2do(OfvYChZivBiSxD{ppp]w2"8d+]$F]&`VYEJ Kvq`/^yY2a There are no known lightning hits in indoor pools. Statistically speaking, thats a real risk. 1. Find a course in your community or online. Determine the distance of lightning from a location by using the "flash-to-bang rule. We can arm our home with safety alarms that alert when a child gets loose, but thats no guarantee anyone can get to the child in time. %%EOF When a class is cancelled due to low enrollment, we will make every effort to accommodate your needs. Guests will also be registered in the membership software and have their picture taken and saved to their guest account. Why are swimming pool alarms such an important purchase? |, State Drivers license/State Photo ID card. Failure to comply will result in a revocation of YMCA privileges both immediate and future.Deadly or offensive weapons are defined as any device whose design and/or implementation may produce death or serious bodily injury. These drownings primarily involve young children who gain access to a pool without a self-closing and self-latching gate. If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. N2VlZmUwOTI0NjAxY2Y4ZWYzYzg4YWVmNTNiMDFmNTczZDQ5OWViMmZiMjFm This includes: Education on facts about the dangers of lightning, Emergency action plan for lightning in the area, along with severe weather watches and warnings, Suggest staff members attend the free National Weather Service SkyWarn basic storm spotter training to enhance weather awareness. If you are in immediate need of help, pleasecontact your local Red Cross orfind an open shelter . The YMCA of the USA, FEMA, the American Red Cross, NOAA, and the National Lightning Safety Institute all advise to not use plumbing of any kind during thunder and lightning and to stay clear of windows. No additional visitor data from the drivers license is gathered nor is the system connected to any other system such as the Department of Motor Vehicles. RED BAND Individuals who do not wish to participate in or do not pass the swim skills assessment will be given a red swim band. When in doubt, remember "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!, Ensure scene safety (victims do not carry an electrical charge and can be touched), Follow local protocols for trauma injury and triage. J!6 H)Ed}>?qz b.~I>oY l@}V A *Jv]B+yn e#6 u;v,Xl:J@(-C[-k1%s[9IgUL!LjI&p;#f_Dz' Vulnerable locations include: beaches, outdoor pools, diving boards, lifeguard stands, and nearby outdoor recreational facilities. Tennis & Pickleball Court Reservations at the Springfield branch may only be made by Community YMCA members (court fees apply). If there are storms in the area, we recommend you check one of these resources before heading to the YMCA for a swim. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning. endobj (Weapons Policy). Identify means to monitor lightning in the area. eyJtZXNzYWdlIjoiN2IzZjcyN2Q2MjQ4MDBkYzNhYTZiZmUwMDFmYzQ2NDEz I&Fs\Hkpix\=/@P}[poi/qVnojl7I!hWG*.mIh. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. Thunderstorms are common in areas with high humidity because the humid air cools in the upper parts of the storms, which condenses into liquid water in the clouds, and then the heat energy that evaporates the water releases. This is because the glass can be an avenue through which lightning may enter the facility and because a close strike may shatter windows. -----BEGIN REPORT----- The information in this section, combined with timely watches and warnings about severe weather, may help save lives. Applications are now open through March 24, 2023! These guidelines are aimed primarily at areas of the country with moderate to high lightning hazard levels, but may be applied anywhere.Develop an Emergency Action Plan (download model plan and edit to your location), 4/26/2023 4/29/2023USLA Spring 2023 Board of Directors Meeting, 4/28/2023USLA Spring 2023 Educational Conference, Association Management Software Powered by, National Lifeguard Championships & Results, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, USLA Spring 2023 Board of Directors Meeting. Thank you for your understanding. Program fees will be credited/refunded if the YMCA cancels a program due to insufficient enrollment. A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces hail at least 1 inch in diameter or has wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour. Jump in deep water and return to the surface. hb```f``f`b`> @q`WAKcKGCy/f f*: 0 fIe Hot tubs should not exceed 104 F or 40 C and are not recommended for pregnant women, toddlers or infants. | All Rights Reserved. Even if you see blue sky, you could still be in danger. We believe the risk of electrical shock from lightning is greater than the inconvenience of evacuating the pool. Use sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 even on cloudy days, and reapply every 3-4 hours. Please ask if you have any questions. YzEzYTVhMWQ2NzlhMjAzNDdkNzU3ZjA1M2I3ZDY0ZTBmMTQxNjVmNDZlMTM2 For easy conversion, here are some markers: 15 seconds = 3 miles, 5 seconds = 1 mile, 0 seconds = very close. Firearm: A firearm is any weapon which is designed to or may readily be converted to expel any projectile by the action of an explosive or the frame or receiver of any such weapon. (see YMCA Weapons policy). by National Recreation and Park Association, Clearing Indoor Pools Presents Greater Risks, By Dr. Tom Griffiths, Ph.D. and Rachel Griffiths, MA. Even if it isnt stormy outside, you can prepare for these storms by following a 10-day forecast on your weather app since most apps have a separate symbol for days with thunder. Lightning cannot be prevented, but the vulnerability of lifeguards, beach-goers, and patrons near bodies of water can be minimized. It is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before resuming aquatic activities. National Lightning Institute. ZDkxNmVmZTgxY2UyNDFiMTA1YTk5NDU1NjliZDk0NWE2Y2U3NTk4ZTBlZmM1 NmUxOTY0YTA0ZWQ1Y2M1ZDI3ZGFjNjY2MjNiZmVkYTJlNmMyMmU1YWRkOTA5 Kids often will become sad when theyre having tons of fun and are suddenly told to get out if they cant see a lightning strike. Identify the closest safe locations before the beginning of the season, and consider posting signs that promote lightning safety and indicate locations that provide protection from lightning. MTUzYmFlY2FhMmFlN2FlMjFlZmY1ZTM4NGRjODJhNGMzNjk4ZTQiLCJzaWdu However, due to varying facility designs, space and amenities, from time to time, you may see a variation to a rule or policy between centers. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Since 2002, CPSC is aware of 33 fatalities that involved electrocutions in swimming pools and spas. Make sure your organization has a policy in place, that staff know what the triggers are for the pool to be closed and communicate often to members about what your policy is. Lightning has been observed in indoor pools, causing injuries and electrical damage. You can purchase Red Cross First Aid kits, manuals and more! Float on back for 30 seconds and regain vertical position on their own. Pick the best time of the day to swim. Consult the National Weather Service for published guidelines for the timing of lightning safety. With the best policies, procedures and supervision, swimming pool patrons face risks such as drownings, broken necks, slips and falls, and electrocutions. Credits will be pro-rated based upon date, and after the third week of class, no credit will be issued. YMCA Policy prohibits sex offenders from accessing YMCA facilities. Data drives good decisions and there is no data supporting closure of indoor swimming pools during electrical storms. To ensure the safety and comfort for all, we have prepared the following policies and guidelines to make your experience as pleasant and rewarding as possible. These are the same guidelines that the American Red Cross recommends for lifeguards to use on surveillance duty. Lifeguard Lightning Safety Guidelines Every year, lightning strikes and kills people on or near bodies of water. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. <> Only swim in the shallow area of the pool. Be prepared for thunderstorms and severe weather. In fact, in most places, insurance companies and home inspections require some sort of pool barrier. Therefore, only pure water without minerals (distilled) will not conduct electricity; any other kind of water will. Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water. Subscribe for safety tips, stories from the field, and information on how to get involved with the Canadian Red Cross. To us, lightning strikes are akin to shark attacks. YMCA of the USA, Indoor pool facilities are connected to a much larger surface area through underground water pipes, gas lines, and electric and telephone wiring. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Dont drain the pool (if its not prime swimming season); this will help avoid any damage to the shell itself. Crouch down in a ball-like position with your head tucked and hands over your ears so that you are down low, with minimal contact with the ground. While every state has reported lightning-related fatalities, the highest numbers are reported in states bordering the Great Lakes, southern states bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, and the four corners states of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona. Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. MTZjOTQ2Mjg3MGQ0ZmM5MWEzOGE0OGQyOGFmNWNmZDFjMTgwMzUzMDU2YjIx Additionally, over time concrete and the pool area environment can deteriorate bonding. MDk4NjhiNjQ5NjgzNDg5NjM2MWU1MDFhODMxNTMwZjFiYTJhZDM4ZDFkZDY4 Members and guests should not hesitate to notify a staff member if assistance is needed. This document serves as a guideline for developing a lightning safety plan and communicating lightning safety information. If a suitable structure is not available, a hard-topped vehicle is the best alternative. Rachel Griffiths, MA, is Communication Director for Aquatic Safety Research Group. A close strike creates a significant sonic disturbance that could cause glass to fall on those in the pool area. Most often, children who drown do so in a pool when a caregiver is not paying attention, if only for a second. Lightning cannot be prevented, but the vulnerability of lifeguards, beach-goers, and patrons near bodies of water can be minimized. Due to this, both the water and these components can conduct a very dangerous electrical shock from lightning in a pool. As recently as 2011, a lifeguard was fatally struck by lightning in Florida. Keep everyone away from windows inside. Help people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or disabled. If you are caught in a lightning storm while camping, hiking, playing sports, or during other outdoor activities, it is often difficult to find a protected place. Have readily accessible reaching or throwing assists, a working phone and first aid kit.
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