Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Owning a backyard pool or hot tub comes with the responsibility of ensuring its safe use. Even with shark attacks, people dont stop swimming in the ocean, and youve never seen or heard of a lightning strike killing someone in an indoor pool. This is potentially because organizations policies are to clear the pools. 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. ,w v+& 280 0 obj <>stream See the fullAquatic Swim Safety Testing Policy. You cannot predict how deep the water may be. This is because the glass can be an avenue through which lightning may enter the facility and because a close strike may shatter windows. OWI4ZDJlNGU4ZWVkNGMyNWQ5MjQ3MmM1MWJhYWMzODE1MjFkOWQzYWFmMDk2 Remember, absolute protection from lightning is impossible. MGE0NmEzNmFmNmMwZmNkYTVhNzRkNDIxNTUzMDg5ZmE2MjZhZWY2YTkyNzA1 Tents, picnic shelters, gazebos, baseball dugouts, and other open shelters DO NOT provide protection from lightning. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle. Child Watch (babysitting) is for Community YMCA Members only. Loitering within or on the grounds of the YMCA. NjIyZjcxZTZlODNlMzBhNDY3ZWRjMTkxZTNlODRiZTRlMTY2OGJkOGE5YjRl No injuries or deaths due to electrocutions in pools and spas were identified in 2018. The pool area has to be completely bonded and grounded electrically, A complete lightning protection system is required. The actions listed below are also among those considered inappropriate within our facilities and during our programs: The YMCA reserves the right to deny access or membership to any person who has been accused or convicted of any crime involving sexual abuse; is or has been a registered sex offender; has ever been convicted of any offense relating to the use, sale, possession, or transportation of narcotics or habit forming and/or dangerous drugs; or is presently or habitually underthe influence of dangerous drugs or chemicals, narcotics, or intoxicating beverages. 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. All guests must complete and sign the liability waiver prior to their visit. Many people struck by lightning are not in the area where rain is occurring. Use a weather radio, a weather app, or TV program to obtain information about nearby storms. Lightning has been observed in indoor pools, causing injuries and electrical damage. 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. As Aquatic Risk Managers, we must prioritize real risks and de-emphasize perceived risks. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. Therefore, its always best to take extra precaution and ensure that everyone is safe. Here are some other great suggestions for keeping your pool safer during storms: Although lightning and thunder can seem far away sometimes, storms are unpredictable. 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. All credits will expire after one year from date issued to a members account. Lifejackets or Personal Flotation Devices(PFDs) should be worn by weak or non-swimmers, but they are not substitutes for supervision by an adult with good swimming skills, or a lifeguard. Stop counting at the sound of related thunder. 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. ZjkyMjZlOTMyMDQ4ODBmMWJjN2E5ZGI2OTlkYzM3ZTZlMzJmOTI1OWNjOTBi Guests, under the age of 18, MUST be accompanied by a Community YMCA adult member. endstream endobj 233 0 obj <>/Metadata 20 0 R/Pages 230 0 R/StructTreeRoot 45 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 234 0 obj <>/MediaBox[0 0 612 792]/Parent 230 0 R/Resources<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Tabs/S/Type/Page>> endobj 235 0 obj <>stream The YMCA is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable pool experience for all. Vulnerable locations include: beaches, outdoor pools, diving boards, lifeguard stands, and nearby outdoor recreational facilities. Perhaps youve been to the pool at a time where the lifeguard blew three short whistle blasts to immediately clear the pool when thunder hit and wondered why they did this. Members sharing cards with others may have their membership terminated. 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. Aside from these general precautions, you can also purchase a lightning monitor or use a lightning map to see how close the storm is. If possible, get all patrons inside and away from the water. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Patrons are evacuated only when lightning is 2 miles away and closing. These bands help our certified lifeguards keep our swimmers safe. Basketball (Springfield and Ridley facilities) is restricted to Community YMCA Full Privilege Members only, always. The Canadian Red Cross takes your privacy seriously. Our Guest Policy is subject to change without notice. /%%/Y$,/.~>Kg*a.IitUBh1eFK0)2AEl/bQv|@; #+~-8CIID3 )J4H Zj+R6=;%#\Y|K`a!QO :UbTL4z:oj]=~V]w%?;X m Hi, Beside Silobad and Stadion, is there any other 50m open air swimming pool complex in Frankfurt? A thunder and lightning show may sound excitingunless youre in the water, and thats a different story. Keep away from windows. MmM0YTEwZWE5NGZiYjk3ZTE5YTg0YmFiZmIyYjk1ZmIzMTc0MThlNzg0ODVj 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. A close strike creates a significant sonic disturbance that could cause glass to fall on those in the pool area. 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. Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind. Ninety-five percent of all fatal lightning strikes occur outdoors, not indoors. It is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before resuming aquatic activities. National Lightning Institute. Dont drain the pool (if its not prime swimming season); this will help avoid any damage to the shell itself. 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. endobj Aside from the NWS, the National Lightning Institute also provides recommendations for storm safety. (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. Therefore, it is often still necessary to clear an indoor pools during lightning storms. The YMCA is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. Understand the actual hazard! Many inconsistencies and misconceptions exist regarding the lightning safety protocol for indoor swimming pools. 1- 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. In the event of an Emergency Management Storm Warning (EMS) and/or direct lighting in the vicinity of the Y, we will clear the pool and surrounding deck for a minimum of 30 minutes. Lightning cannot be prevented, but the vulnerability of lifeguards, beach-goers, and patrons near bodies of water can be minimized. People who have been struck by lightning do not retain an electrical charge and can be handled safely. 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. There are ways that an organization can certify that a pool is presently grounded and bonded, but it is an expensive process that must be repeated periodically to ensure that deterioration has not occurred and that new metallic elements have not been introduced. We strive to provide a safe and enjoyable facility for our members. National Athletic Trainers Association, Inc.: . 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. With advanced technology like this, some people may still decide to stay in the pool until the lightning is close-by. However, swimming pools are a bit different than other types of water due to all the hardware that comes with them: water pipes, gas lines, electrical lines, and more. Never shelter under an isolated tree. Never lie flat on the ground. -----END REPORT-----. NmFlM2IwZTQwYzY4NzBkNmY5NDdhMzYwNmVkMWY2ZTVhNDcyMWE5MWM5ODgw Access resources from the2022 NRPA Annual Conference. Help people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or disabled. MzM3N2NlNDJkYTlmODUyNmM3MmJlNTMxOGIyZWY2ZDFlMTY5ODA0YzRlMTFm Refer to your municipal bylaws for fencing requirements. YzMwMGQyYjlkNzZkZGZjNzBmZTA5MDg5NmM4MjMzYzg2YTFmYTNiMzhkZGI1 If you are in a forest, shelter near lower trees. Guests will also be registered in the membership software and have their picture taken and saved to their guest account. Unfortunately, water and lightning just dont mix. NGEyOGY1Zjc1NDg3MGViYzI1YjcwOGZmODU4M2ZjOTRhMmM3YzNiNDg0NjA3 Staying informed about your communitys risk and response plans. Leaving the premises is also not advised. 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. Recreational waters are inherently risky. We take your privacy seriously. The same idea applies with lightning. OWMzOWJkNzI5N2M1NGQyNDYxMWM3ZDlhZWFlYmY1MDJhOTQzZGZmOThmMDJi Continue to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or to local radio and television stations for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked. Find a course in your community or online. The American Red Cross can help you reconnect with family members. Use this rule in combination with other resources (local lightning detection systems and commercial services) if they are available, with the closest strike detected or observed used as guidance for the evacuation of a site. Depending on the attendance levels and the proximity of adequate shelter, a larger radius of lightning may be prudent to provide time to prepare. Avoid electrical equipment and telephones. For the safety of indoor pool swimmers, we are retaining our stance and will continue to endorse the clearing of indoor pools during a thunderstorm. 253 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<6F3199EC1526BE488B911899849009A3><30625F5BC1DA114CA19FF8658F23DB57>]/Index[232 49]/Info 231 0 R/Length 104/Prev 316356/Root 233 0 R/Size 281/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream The National Weather Service, National Lightning Safety Institute and the National Athletic Trainers Association are three of several groups that recommend evacuation of indoor pools when the threat of lightning exists. 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. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. One last point: a detail both sides repeat is that nobody has ever been killed by lightning while swimming. This document serves as a guideline for developing a lightning safety plan and communicating lightning safety information. 15 0 obj ZmNmNzAzY2ZlNGI3OWE2Yzk0M2MzMzk0M2JmMzE0MjIxMTc0NjNlMzY4MjRh 2. MTg5ZDdmYWIxMDI4NDE1NGE1ZDM5M2Y5ZGE1MWQxYmFiNjk4Y2RkODg3YTQ3 Green Banded swimmers, under the age of 12, will be required to: To receive a green band, swimmers must demonstrate the following skills: The procedure to close for safety during lightning, thunder violent storms is recommended by the YMCA of the USA, The National Lightning Safety Institute, The American Red Cross and our local insurance provider. 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