(Member Code of Conduct)At all times while in our facility and participating in our programs, please respect the rights and dignity of others, actmaturely, and behave responsibly. NDI0NGM4Y2QxODBhZmZlOWQ3YjBlZjFjMWFlOTE1N2E2MTJhMTZjNDk4ZGI3 AUTHORIZED EXCEPTIONSCertified and sworn municipal, state or federal police officers who carry proper identification and are on duty are exempt from this policy. Acceptable forms of identification include: It is important to note that out system only exports the individuals name, date of birth and photo for comparison against the national database. National Athletic Trainers Association, Inc.: . This is not necessarily the case. Guests, under the age of 18, must have a parent/legal guardian complete and sign the liability waiver prior to their visit. "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. We understand that consistency among our branches is a cornerstone of our business practice and want you to be met with the same guidelines, regardless of which Y location you visit. c Dont resume outdoor activities for at least 30 minutes after the storm. by National Recreation and Park Association, Clearing Indoor Pools Presents Greater Risks, By Dr. Tom Griffiths, Ph.D. and Rachel Griffiths, MA. Following are some practical suggestions when developing a lightning safety protocol: We have not found a single lightning researcher who endorses staying in a pool, indoor or outdoor, in an electrical storm. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Discourage them from exiting your building into an active storm. In an effort to reduce any inconvenience to our members we will begin using our mobile app and our web site to communicate pool closings that result from inclement weather. Interested in taking a Red Cross First Aid or CPR course? If thunder roars, go indoors! YTdjYzY5NjEyMjUyMDU5ZjZjNTRkZWZmM2VhZWYwNDExMGMxNDg1MmZmZDJh Clearing the pool may seem like its enough to avoid the storm, but government agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, still recommend that people remain indoors during a lightning storm. 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). 2. The decision to close indoor swimming pools during these storms is based on irrational fears rather than objective facts. Patrons are evacuated only when lightning is 2 miles away and closing. Work with your maintenance/engineering staff to learn how your pool is connected to your plumbing and electrical systems. Severe Thunderstorm Warning- Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Lightning cannot be prevented, but the vulnerability of lifeguards, beach-goers, and patrons near bodies of water can be minimized. Login for First Aid Instructors/Trainers and Training Partners. -----BEGIN REPORT----- Consult the National Weather Service for published guidelines for the timing of lightning safety. Unfortunately in order for this to be true, there must be two necessary prerequisites for such a change in protocol: While current codes require bonding and grounding of the metallic elements in the pool area, most existing pools do not meet that standard because they were built under different regulations. * There were 23 deaths from electrocutions in pools and spas from 2002-2014. Have a means to garner daily weather forecasts and updates. Physical contact with another person in an angry, aggressive or threatening way. Using or possessing alcohol or illegal chemicals on YMCA property, in YMCA vehicles, and at YMCA-sponsored programs. All content copyright 1999 - 2023 CanadianRedCross. Open Space Radiois a biweekly podcast thatcovers the latest trends and news in the field of parks and recreation and aims to cover unique and interesting stories. Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. Tents, picnic shelters, gazebos, baseball dugouts, and other open shelters DO NOT provide protection from lightning. Wear a U.S. Coast Guard Approved flotation device (PFD), except for PFD FREE swim times. YXR1cmUiOiIxMTk3ZjFjNThhYjg0MWNmN2ZiNDA0ZjM3ZjlmODkxYzgyNTcx Never shelter under an isolated tree. 232 0 obj <> endobj 0f>,R@3& f/01D8"K$3utS,]fKL,zJ (s@?{O$Fh!DqY>},t;P5x\' The problem with closing indoor swimming pools during electrical storms is that this policy places people at greater risk by removing them from the safe confines of swimming pools and placing them in unprotected areas like on phones, in showers, outdoors and in cars where electrical storms have killed people. Avoid electrical equipment and telephones. Recreational waters are inherently risky. OGYyODA3MDFlZjBkY2I5MmYzM2QwMGY0NTA0NGJhNzdkM2YyYjRjMWM2YjY4 These bands help our certified lifeguards keep our swimmers safe. In order to ensure the safety of our children, we regularly compare our membership database to the National Registry of Convicted Sex Offenders and terminate the membership and/or access rights of anyone registered, Upon entering our facilities, any visitor 16 and older, will be required to present a valid government issued ID, which will be scanned into the system. This protocol includes keeping swimmers out of the showers, away from telephones and clear of metallic objects or large expanses of glass until after the storm passes. Re: Visit an FKK. For easy conversion, here are some markers: 15 seconds = 3 miles, 5 seconds = 1 mile, 0 seconds = very close. The Redwoods Group, American Red Cross and National Lightning Safety Institute continue to recommend the proactive action of removing swimmers from indoor pools as a lightning storm approaches and until after it passes. Heres a saying that everyone in the family can learn to remember safety protocols: However, if you cant get indoors for any reason, the CDC recommends crouching low and avoiding direct contact with the ground as much as possible. Swim the length of the pool, unassisted, with either front crawl or breaststroke. There are no known lightning hits in indoor pools. The YMCA is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable pool experience for all. Wear a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and light clothing to cover your skin whenever possible. Find a safe, enclosed shelter when you hear thunder. Is Lightning Dangerous When Swimming in the Rain? Inappropriate, immodest or sexually revealing attire. We take your privacy seriously. Two fatal incidents from 2013-2014 were received in 2015. MmEzNWY3NmU1ZjliYjExODMwNzI5NzMwYjhkYzlhMDg0MTk5OGQ5MzZhOTNh Copyright 2023 Community YMCA. If the structure has a lightning protection system, that potential may be increased because lightning protection systems do not repel lightningthey attract it to a specific point so the energy can be directed to ground without damaging the facility. Stay away from objects that conduct electricity, such as barbed wire fences, power lines, or windmills. The YMCA is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. Check the person for burns and other injuries. 15 0 obj Rachel Griffiths, MA, is Communication Director for Aquatic Safety Research Group. These can include: swim with a buddy, children must have an adult with them at all times, and no glass containers around the pool. Backyard pools can provide many hours of summer fun, but they can also be dangerous. Begin counting at the sight of the lightning flash. There are simple steps that families can follow to keep their backyard pools safe. 17 0 obj MTQ2YzQ5MmRjOGFhYTg4ZjA5NmRkNTE2NjE0YTJhNWY0MDQwZDk0MTM0Mjk0 With the best policies, procedures and supervision, swimming pool patrons face risks such as drownings, broken necks, slips and falls, and electrocutions. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. 1. We will make our best effort to post information related to closings as quickly as possible. Cookies used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites. Educate patrons and employees about the hazards of lightning (including pool safety). The standards specify minimum prescriptive standards to be followed when establishing, constructing, extending, renovating, or altering a public swimming pool. Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind. The American Red Cross reports that more than 200 children drown in swimming pools each year. This is potentially because organizations policies are to clear the pools. The second prerequisite, a lightning protection system, is not a common component of pool buildings. ,9vlR IXuakwdIxD!GoWP"M(mtpkJP28 Ar%aa"jl3*86VAn@ Guests must present a state-issued photo-id or school-issued photo-id and complete a liability waiver to enter the YMCA. YMCA Swim Test What to Bring Weather Policies Lifeguards Find Your Swim Lesson Level Sadly, ten people die every day from unintentional drowning, according to the CDC. Our mission, as Aquatic Risk Managers, is to reduce and warn against potential risks. With this in mind, being safe indoors still requires the same precautions as being safe outdoors: avoiding close contact with anything that can conduct electricity, such as water and corded electronic equipment. Owning a backyard pool or hot tub comes with the responsibility of ensuring its safe use. All credits will expire after one year from date issued to a members account. A close strike creates a significant sonic disturbance that could cause glass to fall on those in the pool area. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Every year people are killed or seriously injured by severe thunderstorms despite advance warning. 22 0 obj Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency updates. Guests playing Tennis or Pickleball (Springfield Branch) are always welcomed when playing with a Community YMCA member. YjQ3YTBlMDJhOGY5ZWZhYTE4Mjc3NzY0ZjA3Y2MwMGEwMzM0N2ZlYzc0OWIx Locations that do not offer protection from lightning: Open-sided pavilions (such as picnic areas), Restrooms, changing facilities, and showers, Lifeguard stands that are not fully enclosed and compliant with NFPA 780 lightning guidelines, Boats that are not designed or retrofitted to be compliant with NFPA 780 lightning guidelines, Small personal water craft (e.g. A credit may also be issued for the following reasons: If the YMCA is notified before classes begin, 100% credit/refund. Annual training for lifeguard and beach patrol units should include lightning awareness and a review of protocols in their hazardous weather safety plan. endobj Ninety-five percent of all fatal lightning strikes occur outdoors, not indoors. 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. Active adult supervision is of the utmost importance - never leave your child unattended, not even for a second. Y2ZmZjU4YjhhYmY5MDE1MjliZTQ4Y2NlYzY2NTQxMmM3Njc2MTZlODAyN2Yw See the fullAquatic Swim Safety Testing Policy. Our Guest Policy is subject to change without notice. To make matters worse, both the American Red Cross and the YMCA's have recommended indoor pool closures during electrical storms, even though there is no scientific or medical evidence or even case studies indicating swimming indoors during electrical storms is dangerous. Jump in deep water and return to the surface. Thanks to the proliferation of social media, if there had been one, everyone would know about it. Shutter windows and close outside doors securely. 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. They will confirm whether or not there was actual thunder/lightning. %PDF-1.5 % ZTMwMTQ1NzE0NTJjMjgzNzViNGFlMTJjY2NiOGZmZDY1ZDhiOTUwY2I2ZjA1 Outdoor Pools The possession or carrying of any deadly or offensive weapon by any person is prohibited in any YMCA building, property, owned, leased or used. The length of closure may adjust as conditions dictate. Aside from these general precautions, you can also purchase a lightning monitor or use a lightning map to see how close the storm is. YWQ1ZjlhNDRhZWEwNDg0OTJiYjVhNzYzODFmMTkxMjkzNGUyY2I2MWQ2Yjgz Avoid swimming at night and in stormy weather. ZTdmZTNkMzk5N2UwMzQyZDBlMjg3YjhjN2MzMThkN2RkNmNlZjVkMTc3OGQ5 CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. The NRPA awards programs highlight the efforts of those who go above and beyond to make a difference in the community. endstream <> Count to 30 after hearing lightning, and if you hear thunder before 30 seconds, then go indoors. The discussion of lightning and indoor pools must include addressing the nature of humans. |, State Drivers license/State Photo ID card. This rule applies to the vast majority of publicly accessible pools, both indoor and outdoor, in the Charlotte area. No injuries or deaths due to electrocutions in pools and spas were identified in 2018. 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. You cannot predict how deep the water may be. Recovering After a Thunderstorm OWMzOWJkNzI5N2M1NGQyNDYxMWM3ZDlhZWFlYmY1MDJhOTQzZGZmOThmMDJi If you evacuate, encourage patrons to shelter in place in your facility. Thunder is actually the sound that a nearby lightning strike causesmeaning that the lightning might not be next to you, but its definitely somewhere else,according to the National Weather Service. Sexually explicit conversation or behavior. Once cleared, the individual may enter the facility. An article that appeared in the November/December 2008 issue ofAquatics International stated that there was no longer a need to clear indoor swimming pools during a thunderstorm. Violating this policy will result in an immediate loss of membership and potential prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. The United States Lifesaving Association Those who have dropped their phone in any kind of water know that it almost always stops working; thats because the water reacts with the electricity. N2ViNWU0NjY1OWVlMGNiY2VmYTEzNTc0ZjdhODc3NjE2NjZkNjBiYjBmN2Y3 Carrying or concealing a weapon or any device or object that may be used as a weapon. YjcyNzkwYzBhYmQzMjU0NGE3M2Q5MWIyMmZlOWVmN2FlZGVlYjk3YzNhNjk4 Your membership card is non-transferable. Is of the law with your maintenance/engineering staff to learn how your pool is to... People are killed or seriously injured by severe thunderstorms despite advance warning is to reduce warn. 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