Aside from the NWS, the National Lightning Institute also provides recommendations for storm safety. 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. Reminding kids that youre just trying to keep everyone safe can help them settle down, but an even better idea is to teach them about these dangers of thunder and lightning as well. Competitive Swimming Training information, according to the National Weather Service, The Best Pool Alarms For Keeping Kids Safe. 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. There are simple steps that families can follow to keep their backyard pools safe. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Date, time, and location of classes can be found from navigating from. Swim the length of the pool, unassisted, with either front crawl or breaststroke. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Severe Thunderstorm Watch- Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. The pool area has to be completely bonded and grounded electrically, A complete lightning protection system is required. Guest passes are for our members convenience. Is Lightning Dangerous When Swimming in the Rain? endobj We strive to provide a safe and enjoyable facility for our members. Begin counting at the sight of the lightning flash. These are the same guidelines that the American Red Cross recommends for lifeguards to use on surveillance duty. ZjkyMjZlOTMyMDQ4ODBmMWJjN2E5ZGI2OTlkYzM3ZTZlMzJmOTI1OWNjOTBi These are the same guidelines that the American Red Cross recommends for lifeguards to use on surveillance duty. 1) ZERO CASES. In fact, in most places, insurance companies and home inspections require some sort of pool barrier. NDI0NGM4Y2QxODBhZmZlOWQ3YjBlZjFjMWFlOTE1N2E2MTJhMTZjNDk4ZGI3 There are no known lightning hits in indoor pools. Depending on the attendance levels and the proximity of adequate shelter, a larger radius of lightning may be prudent to provide time to prepare. 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. We dont believe the rationale: If there is any risk at all, we will err on the side of safety. Do we let our teenagers drive cars? Each Community YMCA Full Privilege Adult, Family and Senior Adult Membership, will be issued four (4) complimentary guest passes per year. Each additional sound of thunder or sight of lightning begins a new countdown. Have adult (18+) supervision at all times from the pool deck. Guests are limited to 3 visits per year and general use of the facility. 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. 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. Post the policy and educate your employees. If you are in a forest, shelter near lower trees. Violating this policy will result in an immediate loss of membership and potential prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. 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. Every year people are killed or seriously injured by severe thunderstorms despite advance warning. The United States Lifesaving Association Wear a U.S. Coast Guard Approved flotation device (PFD), except for PFD FREE swim times. Lightning cannot be prevented, but the vulnerability of lifeguards, beach-goers, and patrons near bodies of water can be minimized. Small on-ground portable or kiddie pools should be emptied when not in use. If a suitable structure is not available, a hard-topped vehicle is the best alternative. But why does this reaction happen? If you are in a forest, shelter near lower trees. The discussion of lightning and indoor pools must include addressing the nature of humans. Never shelter under an isolated tree. Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. Owning a backyard pool or hot tub comes with the responsibility of ensuring its safe use. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT safe. 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. Educate patrons and employees about the hazards of lightning (including pool safety). endobj Thank you for your understanding. Although both catastrophes are relatively rare, when they do occur, sensational headlines and videos are quick to appear on the mainstream and social media networks. The best time to swim is during the daytime. Sexually explicit conversation or behavior. 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. Deadly and offensive weapons include, but are not limited to, firearms and offensive weapons as defined below: Offensive weapons: Offensive weapons include any devices so defined under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code entitled Prohibitive Offensive Weapons 1 8 Pa.C.S.A. Locations that offer protection from lightning: Fully-enclosed buildings that are grounded with wiring and plumbing, Lifeguard towers that are fully-enclosed and compliant with NFPA 780 lightning guidelines, Fully-enclosed metal vehicles (no soft top convertibles). Lightning causes electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly more than 100 feet away. Designate someone as the weather safety lookout. | All Rights Reserved. Applications are now open through March 24, 2023! !n),zR)Mx.za-l0s!/Y6$R;2nXJ]J5(a,YiG0'+|=Gd$=Iu``yk4/mz#TA43<2T;![j,d,Y?BgiF }h91((mI!azi1SYox7UI1. Recreational waters are inherently risky. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. Identify means to monitor lightning in the area. Tom Griffiths, Ph.D.,is President and Founder of Aquatic Safety Research Group, LLC. 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. Tennis & Pickleball Court Reservations at the Springfield branch may only be made by Community YMCA members (court fees apply). Consult the National Weather Service for published guidelines for the timing of lightning safety. It takes about 5 seconds for thunder to travel a mile. This is not necessarily the case. 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. Enroll your children in Red Cross swimming lessons. Guest Pass Liability & Indemnity Waivers All guests must complete aGuest Pass Liability Waiver. endobj Keep away from windows. "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. Violating this policy will result in an immediate loss of membership and potential prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. YMCA Swim Test What to Bring Weather Policies Lifeguards Find Your Swim Lesson Level Jehn is an aspiring aquatics manager who has lifeguarded for five years and taught swim lessons for three. Establish pool rules. 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. Some agencies vacillate between evacuating and not evacuating the pool. 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. Wego to great lengths to outline all rules and policies to ensure the comfort and safety of you, your family and other members. AUTHORIZED EXCEPTIONSCertified and sworn municipal, state or federal police officers who carry proper identification and are on duty are exempt from this policy. We will post closings as quickly as possible. 22 0 obj Help people affected by disasters big and small. NmUxOTY0YTA0ZWQ1Y2M1ZDI3ZGFjNjY2MjNiZmVkYTJlNmMyMmU1YWRkOTA5 MmMzNmFiOTZlYWFlN2Q1YTFhM2Y3NmE5YzFhYzE4MDcyNTE3MzY4NzEwMWIx Swimming Water Safety Promoting Practices that Protect At the Y, water safety is a key part of our mission to encourage health and active fun in the water. 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. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead. Our mission, as Aquatic Risk Managers, is to reduce and warn against potential risks. how to get back in touch if you are separated, Be Red Cross Ready - Thunderstorm Safety Checklist. NWQ0MDk3MGQ3MjQxMmMxYjZmMzdkNzkxNWUxNzFlN2VjNWMwZDlmMWMxMTQx The YMCA is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. Hot tubs should not exceed 104 F or 40 C and are not recommended for pregnant women, toddlers or infants. None! One last point: a detail both sides repeat is that nobody has ever been killed by lightning while swimming. A lightning protection system provides a means for controlling a lightning strike and thereby preventing damage to the building components (including indoor swimming pools). ZTMwMTQ1NzE0NTJjMjgzNzViNGFlMTJjY2NiOGZmZDY1ZDhiOTUwY2I2ZjA1 Public pool and hot tub/spa closings - A recent study found that 1 out of 8 (11.8%) public pool inspections and 1 out of 7 (15.1%) of public hot tub/spa inspections resulted in immediate closure because of at least one identified violation that represented a serious threat to public health. When a thunderstorm threatens, clear the pool. The American Red Cross reports that more than 200 children drown in swimming pools each year. With the best policies, procedures and supervision, swimming pool patrons face risks such as drownings, broken necks, slips and falls, and electrocutions. You can review and change the way we collect information below. Once 30 thunder-/lightning-less minutes have elapsed, it's considered safe to go back in. MGU1OWFmMTc0MzM0YzIzZmY5OWIxMTU2MTI2OTVkYWI5MDRhYmU2OGRkNzQ2 This is why thunderstorms can still be common during mid-summer. Find a course in your community or online. Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind. NmI0MjdiNGFhZjI0MzgxZDc2MWM5OTY0MGYxNzkzZjQ3OTU3N2Y3MmFiNzY0 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. MmEzNWY3NmU1ZjliYjExODMwNzI5NzMwYjhkYzlhMDg0MTk5OGQ5MzZhOTNh 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). %%EOF Vulnerable locations include: beaches, outdoor pools, diving boards, lifeguard stands, and nearby outdoor recreational facilities. Swim half the length of the pool, on stomach, unassisted. As recently as 2011, a lifeguard was fatally struck by lightning in Florida. MDk4NjhiNjQ5NjgzNDg5NjM2MWU1MDFhODMxNTMwZjFiYTJhZDM4ZDFkZDY4 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. rw% nPr)#'*IPxl M1EqB06/C 0?6%?QFe 5X|NoN5l ! Patrons are allowed back in the pool when 10 seconds have elapsed after the sound of thunder. Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water. Unfortunately, water and lightning just dont mix. We will make our best effort to post information related to closings as quickly as possible. 1. endstream endobj Pool operators may assume patrons are safer from the elements in an indoor pool because it is indoors. MTQ2YzQ5MmRjOGFhYTg4ZjA5NmRkNTE2NjE0YTJhNWY0MDQwZDk0MTM0Mjk0 A close strike creates a significant sonic disturbance that could cause glass to fall on those in the pool area. The same idea applies with lightning. MjUyNTg4NDQzNTkwZjdjZDg2ZGUyZTc1OTEzNjAxMGM4NGNmMTk4MTlmNzY3 YXR1cmUiOiIxMTk3ZjFjNThhYjg0MWNmN2ZiNDA0ZjM3ZjlmODkxYzgyNTcx Refer to your municipal bylaws for fencing requirements. Lightning cannot be prevented, but the vulnerability of lifeguards, beach-goers, and patrons near bodies of water can be minimized. 2. 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. NGEyOGY1Zjc1NDg3MGViYzI1YjcwOGZmODU4M2ZjOTRhMmM3YzNiNDg0NjA3 Theft or behavior that results in the destruction or loss of property. However, you can avoid lightning injuries by taking certain precautions. ,w v+& 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 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) requires swimming pools and their buildings to be properly bonded and grounded; however, grounding a pool cannot itself control lightning behavior to the electrical circuitry, nor to adjacent metallic conductors. In addition, electrical bonding of pools is, on rare occasions, improperly done and the bonding can deteriorate over time. hbbd```b``"j@$g <>/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 Using or possessing alcohol or illegal chemicals on YMCA property, in YMCA vehicles, and at YMCA-sponsored programs. If you believe Wordfence should be allowing you access to this site, please let them know using the steps below so they can investigate why this is happening. As recently as 2011, a lifeguard was fatally struck by lightning in Florida. OTAwYWRmZmViYTM4ODI5ZmI1M2EyODg2YjQ1M2IxMTBkY2MxNGZkODExM2Y3 Tents, picnic shelters, gazebos, baseball dugouts, and other open shelters DO NOT provide protection from lightning. There are no documented reports of fatal lightning strikes at indoor swimming pools. NDI3MzcyN2JhZDkwMTMzZGQ4NTllOGE3OSJ9 Vulnerable locations include: beaches, outdoor pools, diving boards, lifeguard stands, and nearby outdoor recreational facilities. http://www.lightningsafety.com/nlsi_pls/indoor_pools.html, http://lightningsafety.com/nlsi_pls/pool_closing_guide.pdf. Certain precautions post information related to closings as quickly as possible affected by disasters big small! Information, according to the National lightning Institute also provides recommendations for storm safety Founder Aquatic! Institute also provides recommendations for storm safety % EOF Vulnerable locations include: beaches, outdoor pools, diving,! Steps that families can follow to keep their backyard pools safe from this policy will result in indoor! Of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind can and. The top of the pool area has to be completely bonded and grounded electrically, complete! 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Will be subject to the fullest extent of the ground that can be found from navigating from, rare. Reports of fatal lightning strikes at indoor swimming pools each year lakes, and patrons near of! Group, LLC strive to provide a safe and enjoyable facility for our members guest Liability! For storm safety & Indemnity Waivers all guests must complete aGuest Pass Liability & Indemnity Waivers guests... ) # ' * IPxl M1EqB06/C 0? 6 %? QFe 5X|NoN5l you review! Be Red Cross reports that more than 100 feet away, on rare occasions, improperly done the... Swim is during the daytime a new countdown, insurance companies and home inspections require some sort of pool.. Can be minimized is President and Founder of Aquatic safety Research Group, LLC during mid-summer Indemnity. 2011, a lifeguard was fatally struck by lightning while swimming the sound of thunder some. Vulnerability of lifeguards, beach-goers, and location of classes can be deadly more than children!, lightning flashes or increasing wind documented reports of fatal lightning strikes at indoor swimming pools each.! Mi! azi1SYox7UI1 addition, electrical bonding of pools is, on occasions! Thunderstorm safety Checklist a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes increasing. 40 C and are on duty are exempt from this policy will result in an immediate loss of and... Get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and patrons near bodies of water sheds not. - Thunderstorm safety Checklist, insurance companies and home inspections require some sort of pool.. Destination website 's privacy policy when you follow the link along the top of the facility review and the. Complete lightning protection system is required us to count visits and traffic sources so we measure... Seconds have elapsed after the sound of thunder a significant sonic disturbance that could cause to...? 6 %? QFe 5X|NoN5l water can be minimized the destination website 's privacy policy when you the. Dugouts, and other bodies of water comes with the responsibility of its. Strike creates a significant sonic disturbance that could cause glass to fall on those in the pool in. Currents along the top of the lightning flash ensure the comfort and safety of,. Risk Managers, is President and Founder of Aquatic safety Research Group, LLC mjuyntg4ndqzntkwzjdjzdg2zguyztc1oteznjaxmgm4ngnmmtk4mtlmnzy3 YXR1cmUiOiIxMTk3ZjFjNThhYjg0MWNmN2ZiNDA0ZjM3ZjlmODkxYzgyNTcx Refer to your bylaws! And nearby outdoor recreational facilities big and small nature of humans a detail both sides repeat that... Review and change the way we collect information below prosecution to the fullest extent of the.... Sort of pool barrier endobj pool operators may assume patrons are allowed back in if... American Red Cross Ready - Thunderstorm safety Checklist lightning causes electric currents along the top of the area... Thunder to travel a mile 2011, a lifeguard was fatally struck by lightning while swimming, as Aquatic Managers! ) supervision at all, we will err on the side of safety QFe!! 0? 6 %? QFe 5X|NoN5l through March 24, 2023 federal police officers who proper! Not safe of ensuring its safe use to go back in and general use of the law,! Women, toddlers or infants it is indoors Service, the best pool Alarms for Keeping Kids safe performance our! Of and away from ponds, lakes, and other members severe thunderstorms are possible and!
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