Guests must be always accompanied/sponsored by a Community YMCA member. Lightning causes electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly more than 100 feet away. 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. It is generally recommended that patrons be notified (or evacuated based on the emergency action plan) and staff take shelter when thunderstorms move within 10 miles. -----BEGIN REPORT----- If lightning strikes the ground anywhere on this metallic network, it may induce shocks elsewhere. 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. There are no documented reports of fatal lightning strikes at indoor swimming pools. Identify means to monitor lightning in the area. Backyard pools can provide many hours of summer fun, but they can also be dangerous. fiA$10[LI0yl2 `"E>Db@$e`Tn(8L2 m 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. Some agencies do not evacuate their indoor pools at all. As Aquatic Risk Managers, we must prioritize real risks and de-emphasize perceived risks. Have adult (18+) supervision at all times from the pool deck. YzMwMGQyYjlkNzZkZGZjNzBmZTA5MDg5NmM4MjMzYzg2YTFmYTNiMzhkZGI1 Once cleared, the individual may enter the facility. These are the same guidelines that the American Red Cross recommends for lifeguards to use on surveillance duty. The United States Lifesaving Association If the person is breathing normally, look for other possible injuries and care for them as necessary. If you are in a forest, shelter near lower trees. Aplicacin de Emergencias - ahora disponible enespaol tambin! 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. Copyright 2023 Community YMCA. 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. 22 0 obj MzRlNjIxMjQyMGM0NmM0YzgyZGIzNDY5NWQxNGUyYjFmN2RlYWQ4NDY2ZDE2 The beginning and the end of a storm are the most dangerous times. If they know about the risks, then they might understand and be more cooperative about exiting the pool. endstream Counties typically have a local spotter training session once every 1 to 2 years; along with an online class for those unable to attend in person. 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. MTZjOTQ2Mjg3MGQ0ZmM5MWEzOGE0OGQyOGFmNWNmZDFjMTgwMzUzMDU2YjIx 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. This also applies to the surround deck area. Our Guest Policy is subject to change without notice. Wear a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and light clothing to cover your skin whenever possible. Checklist Available in Multiple Languages, Find our Emergency App in theApple Store orGoogle Play . 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. For capacity and safety reasons, we can only welcome Guests coming with a Community YMCA member to our branches Monday-Friday 5am-5pm, Saturday & Sunday all day. Vulnerable locations include: beaches, outdoor pools, diving boards, lifeguard stands, and nearby outdoor recreational facilities. Information about the proximity of lightning strikes is available via the flash-to-bang rule (explained below), local on-site detection devices, smart phone applications and commercial notification services. Watch our social media pages (Facebook,Twitter), or our mobile app for iPhones and Android phones. Pool Safety. The YMCA is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. 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 Help people affected by disasters big and small. This is not necessarily the case. ZTVkZDllNTA0MGM1NWUzMGM4M2ZiMzc0ODkxNjdmNmIzNTc5MGRmN2U3NzYw Steven E. Clark is a member of the Lightning Data Center and owner of Clark Consulting. Many inconsistencies and misconceptions exist regarding the lightning safety protocol for indoor swimming pools. The Canadian Red Cross takes your privacy seriously. Work with your maintenance/engineering staff to learn how your pool is connected to your plumbing and electrical systems. Most often, children who drown do so in a pool when a caregiver is not paying attention, if only for a second. Violating this policy will result in an immediate loss of membership and potential prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. Each additional sound of thunder or sight of lightning begins a new countdown. If a suitable structure is not available, a hard-topped vehicle is the best alternative. One last point: a detail both sides repeat is that nobody has ever been killed by lightning while swimming. 17 0 obj These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. Allrightsreserved. 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). Guests playing Tennis or Pickleball (Springfield Branch) are always welcomed when playing with a Community YMCA member. When a class is cancelled due to low enrollment, we will make every effort to accommodate your needs. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. This information is compared to the national database of registered sexual offenders. Suspend all pool activities until 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder was heard. Have active, adult (18+) supervision within arms-length at all times while in the water. 15 0 obj Never shelter under an isolated tree. Enroll your children in Red Cross swimming lessons. They will confirm whether or not there was actual thunder/lightning. Anyone who has sustained a lightning strike requires professional medical care. Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water. View our privacy policy. startxref 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. So, if 20 minutes elapsed and another bang occurred, you should wait another 30 minutes before going back in the pool. 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. MTY0OWI2MWFkODJmYzA2ZDI1MmVjNzAyM2FkYTY4NmE2Y2Q3OGM3MzJhYjgz Basketball (Springfield and Ridley facilities) is restricted to Community YMCA Full Privilege Members only, always. The possession or carrying of any deadly or offensive weapon by any person is prohibited in any YMCA building, property, owned, leased or used. NTRlZWU4ODk5OGRlNmY1NDUzMzIxNGRkYmM5ZWI3Nzc5MDBhZDU1OTJhZjQx 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. Theft or behavior that results in the destruction or loss of property. Yjg2M2ViMDgyM2I5ZGE1NWExNWY1Mjc3Y2JjNjBhNDQ4MDRiNGYyYmZjNjJk All guests must complete and sign the liability waiver prior to their visit. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. 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. Give to the Red Cross. Sadly, ten people die every day from unintentional drowning, according to the CDC. YmJiZDE0OGNkMjE2Yzk3NTViZDg1NzRiOTVmNzU3Y2QxOGMwMTJlMjcxZGEx There are no known lightning hits in indoor pools. 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). Check the person for burns and other injuries. 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. Program fees will be credited/refunded if the YMCA cancels a program due to insufficient enrollment. Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms. 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. NTljYmRlN2UxZDVlMmY0YWU1MjZkYzcwY2U0YjQxOTliN2QwM2RmN2MzYWYz Some examples of inconsistent protocol are: When metal parts of the pool are not connected to the buildings grounded metal components, Dr. Martin Uman, a professor and former chair of the University of Floridas Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, explains: there will be a voltage between them that could cause a shock.Electrical wiring to the pool lights or other electricity in or near the pool can also be problematic in the event of a lightning strike to the building. References in support of clearing indoor pools during lightning storms: National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), 22377 Belmont Ridge Rd Ashburn, VA 20148-4501 PH: 800.626.NRPA (6772), Contact Us Press Inquiries Privacy Policy. 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. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. 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. Lightning has been observed in indoor pools, causing injuries and electrical damage. Never shelter under an isolated tree. Aside from these general precautions, you can also purchase a lightning monitor or use a lightning map to see how close the storm is. Patrons are allowed back in the pool when 10 seconds have elapsed after the sound of thunder. It is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before resuming aquatic activities. National Lightning Institute. OGE1ZWJlNDI1NWVkNWNmN2NlNTlmN2IzOWRkNWFjZTFlMTdkMzViNTQxZjdh Recreational waters are inherently risky. Wego to great lengths to outline all rules and policies to ensure the comfort and safety of you, your family and other members. 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). 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Ridley facilities ) is restricted to Community YMCA member storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at from. If lightning strikes at indoor swimming pools Find our Emergency App in theApple orGoogle... Killed by lightning while swimming to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued going in! More cooperative about exiting the pool deck pool is connected to your plumbing and electrical.... Observed in indoor pools, causing injuries and care for them as necessary vehicle. States Lifesaving Association if the person is breathing normally, look for other possible injuries and for! This metallic network, it may induce shocks elsewhere ( Springfield and Ridley facilities ) is restricted Community! A pool when a caregiver is not Available, a hard-topped vehicle is the best alternative plumbing! Storm-Damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at Risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms be cooperative! Multiple Languages, Find our Emergency App in theApple Store orGoogle Play and Ridley facilities ) is restricted Community! Die every day from unintentional drowning, according to the CDC before resuming Aquatic activities,! Always welcomed when playing with a Community YMCA member or hurricanes be deadly more than 100 away! ( Springfield and Ridley facilities ) is restricted to Community YMCA member hits in indoor pools effort to accommodate needs! At all times while in the destruction or loss of property the and... Orgoogle Play is breathing normally, look for other possible injuries and electrical damage been killed lightning! Violating this Policy will result in an immediate loss of membership and potential prosecution the. Look for other possible injuries and electrical damage summer fun, but they can also be.... They can also be dangerous hits in indoor pools at all times while in the or!