Statement from Frankfort Mayor Chris McBarnes: Monday, August 4, 2014 Steps being taken in the aftermath of July 28 drowning tragedy at TPA Pool Frankfort Police Department’s investigation and Clinton County Coroner’s report The Police Department’s investigation is ongoing. The Coroner’s report and autopsy results, including cause of death will not be completed for six to eight weeks. The details of this statement concern the following areas: • implementation of best practice safety protocols • enhanced lifeguard training protocols • improved pool operation/maintenance protocols Implementation of best practice safety protocols Emergency action plan protocol A written emergency action plan for the TPA Pool currently is being developed and will be implemented immediately upon its completion. The comprehensive plan – specific to the needs at the TPA Pool – will include actions to be taken regarding numerous emergency scenarios involving medical and weather-related situations. The plan will be reviewed in detail with all pool staff who will be expected to sign they have read and understand the steps outlined, with the plan kept at the pool office. Enhanced lifeguard training protocols New rotation protocol Using the concept of eyes on the water at all times, a new rotation protocol will be implemented for lifeguards, replacing their current one-hour shifts with 30-minute shifts where guards rotate from stationed chair to chair around the pool area. A minimum of three lifeguards will be on duty at all times, exceeding the American Red Cross’ recommendation of two lifeguards on duty at a time. This rotating shift protocol will eliminate breaks by the guards and provide constant pool monitoring. During this time, the pool manager or assistant manager will do a walk-around safety check of the entire pool area, thereby adding an extra layer of security for all those in and around the pool. New testing and training protocols Robust continuing education in-service training will be required for the lifeguards, including periodic written exams and water skills tests to reinforce the American Red Cross certification each lifeguard received. As part of the hiring process, the water skills test will be based on amenities specific to the TPA Pool and will evaluate lifeguards’ physical conditions, lifesaving, CPR and first aid skills. Lifeguard candidates will not only have to be American Red Cross certified, but also must pass the Water Skills Test for TPA Pool as a condition of employment. Lifeguard employee evaluations will be conducted twice during the summer and conducted by the pool manager and Parks Department superintendent. Improved pool operation/maintenance protocols The country’s leading Olympic-size pool maintenance company, Spear Corporation, services the TPA Pool. City officials ordered a comprehensive safety inspection of the TPA Pool which was done on Friday, August 1. While the final results are being compiled, Spear Corporation representatives have shared they found no major issues at the pool. New chlorine protocol The total amount of free chlorine residual must reach a minimum level of 1.0 PPM (parts per million) of water. To help ensure the utmost water clarity on a daily basis, the new chlorine protocol will require at least 1.5 parts per million. Chlorine levels will be checked four times per day, every two hours during normal pool hours. If chlorine levels fall below 1.5 million, necessary measures will be taken. Pool chlorine must not exceed 5.5 parts per million. If levels exceed 4.0, necessary measures will be taken to bring the level down. New air/water temperature protocol Because below normal cool temperatures and high wind existed on July 28 contributing to the murkiness of the water in some areas of the pool, an air/water temperature protocol will be established that states during pool operating hours, once the air temperature drops below 70 degrees, pool staff will begin monitoring the temperature closely. If the temperature drops below 65 degrees, the pool will close until the following day. The water temperature of the pool will be monitored three times per day during normal pool hours, with the temperature ideally needing to be 78-80 degrees. If the water temperature drops below 72 degrees, pool management staff will consider closing the pool for the day. Media contact: Mayor McBarnes: 765-654-7332
Posted on: Mon, 04 Aug 2014 12:41:31 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015