NDRlNDQxNGY2YzA1YTAwOGZhZjUxZWUyYTRjODYwNjE2ZTM0ODJkNzUyZTk2 We know electricity and water do not mix, but we continue to keep pools open with electricity driving their disinfection, circulation and filtration 24/7, even though there is an electrocution risk. Know how the COVID-19 pandemic can affect disaster preparedness and recovery, and what you can do to keep yourself and others safe. The organization also developed an extension of the NLIs 30-minute rule: the 30-30 rule. Entry on YMCA property in violation of this prohibition is expressly forbidden and will result in the individual being directed to remove the weapon immediately from YMCA property. The second prerequisite, a lightning protection system, is not a common component of pool buildings. If lightning strikes the ground anywhere on this metallic network, it may induce shocks elsewhere. These bands help our certified lifeguards keep our swimmers safe. A credit may also be issued for the following reasons: If the YMCA is notified before classes begin, 100% credit/refund. Child Watch (babysitting) is for Community YMCA Members only. 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. Due to this, both the water and these components can conduct a very dangerous electrical shock from lightning in a pool. The decision to close indoor swimming pools during these storms is based on irrational fears rather than objective facts. One last point: a detail both sides repeat is that nobody has ever been killed by lightning while swimming. However, when electrical storms approach, too many close their indoor swimming pools. Even with no lightning in clear sight, its best to err on the side of safety. Each additional sound of thunder or sight of lightning begins a new countdown. OTAwYWRmZmViYTM4ODI5ZmI1M2EyODg2YjQ1M2IxMTBkY2MxNGZkODExM2Y3 We do not distribute or sell your email address to anyone. N2VlZmUwOTI0NjAxY2Y4ZWYzYzg4YWVmNTNiMDFmNTczZDQ5OWViMmZiMjFm This information is compared to the national database of registered sexual offenders. Improve your swimming skills and learn how to prevent drownings and how to make safe rescues by taking a Red Cross Swim Course. Anyone under the age of 16, priorto swimming in the pool, must complete the YMCA swim skills assessment and be assigned a red, yellow or green swim-band. Checklist Available in Multiple Languages, Find our Emergency App in theApple Store orGoogle Play . Unfortunately, water and lightning just dont mix. This document serves as a guideline for developing a lightning safety plan and communicating lightning safety information. 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. hb```fV)!b`0pt0`x_1@6(H\M\G;1musSGGGGGZ g`i@, 0@slymgUg.``_sNf4# Rachel Griffiths, MA, is Communication Director for Aquatic Safety Research Group. "Just think of shark attacks. 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. NGU3NTM1ZTQxMzYyODJmNDE1ZjBkZTY2YjhmYjU1ZGM3NWFiMTdhZDM0NzY2 YjQ3YTBlMDJhOGY5ZWZhYTE4Mjc3NzY0ZjA3Y2MwMGEwMzM0N2ZlYzc0OWIx CharityRegistrationNumber:119219814RR0001, Swimming and Water Safety Tips and Resources, Swimming and Water Safety Tips & Resources, How to confirm if a First Aid/CPR Certificate is valid, Swimming and Water Safety Public Education Resource Guide. Steven E. Clark is a member of the Lightning Data Center and owner of Clark Consulting. 0 We strive to provide a safe and enjoyable facility for our members. NWQ1OGEyMzNlYWU5OGRkNGQwYjk0MzI3MWI2ZWQwZGZkZDQ1OWIyZjY0MmMx 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. Stop counting at the sound of related thunder. NWQ0MDk3MGQ3MjQxMmMxYjZmMzdkNzkxNWUxNzFlN2VjNWMwZDlmMWMxMTQx Have active, adult (18+) supervision within arms-length at all times while in the water. When a thunderstorm threatens, clear the pool. 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. 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. No injuries or deaths due to electrocutions in pools and spas were identified in 2018. YzEzYTVhMWQ2NzlhMjAzNDdkNzU3ZjA1M2I3ZDY0ZTBmMTQxNjVmNDZlMTM2 Please ask if you have any questions. rw% nPr)#'*IPxl M1EqB06/C 0?6%?QFe 5X|NoN5l ! ZjkyMjZlOTMyMDQ4ODBmMWJjN2E5ZGI2OTlkYzM3ZTZlMzJmOTI1OWNjOTBi eyJtZXNzYWdlIjoiN2IzZjcyN2Q2MjQ4MDBkYzNhYTZiZmUwMDFmYzQ2NDEz 14 0 obj Deposits specific to programs such as Child Care or Day Camp are non-refundable. Smoking and/or vaping of any substance on YMCA property the YMCA and its property are a smoke-free environment. Carrying or concealing a weapon or any device or object that may be used as a weapon. Copyright 2023 Community YMCA. The good news is that national statistics do not include any deaths from lightning to people in indoor pools. 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. <> fiA$10[LI0yl2 `"E>Db@$e`Tn(8L2 m The best place for shelter during a storm is inside a structure with four walls and a roof or an enclosed vehicle. The YMCA is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. 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. NDI0NGM4Y2QxODBhZmZlOWQ3YjBlZjFjMWFlOTE1N2E2MTJhMTZjNDk4ZGI3 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. Carl Swanson, III, is a member of the Lightning Data Center since 1997, a storm chaser, lightning photographer and member of the National Weather Services spotter network. Pool operators may assume patrons are safer from the elements in an indoor pool because it is indoors. 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. We will post closings as quickly as possible. Violating this policy will result in an immediate loss of membership and potential prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. 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. OGYyODA3MDFlZjBkY2I5MmYzM2QwMGY0NTA0NGJhNzdkM2YyYjRjMWM2YjY4 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. In addition to The Swimming Pool Regulations, 1999, this design/operational standard applies to any swimming pool governed by the regulations that is not a whirlpool. Thank you for your understanding. Many people struck by lightning are not in the area where rain is occurring. 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. by National Recreation and Park Association, Clearing Indoor Pools Presents Greater Risks, By Dr. Tom Griffiths, Ph.D. and Rachel Griffiths, MA. Even if it isnt stormy outside, you can prepare for these storms by following a 10-day forecast on your weather app since most apps have a separate symbol for days with thunder. ,9vlR IXuakwdIxD!GoWP"M(mtpkJP28 Ar%aa"jl3*86VAn@ Using or possessing alcohol or illegal chemicals on YMCA property, in YMCA vehicles, and at YMCA-sponsored programs. These drownings primarily involve young children who gain . Consult the National Weather Service for published guidelines for the timing of lightning safety. -----BEGIN REPORT----- They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. The weather watcher has primary, but not sole, responsibility for observation of and updates on weather conditions. 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. Community YMCA locations include the Lansdowne, Ridley and Springfield branches. %%EOF Many new pools also do not comply because though the basic grid is bonded they have added stainless steel lifeguard chairs or metal bleachers that are not connected with the grid. Designate someone as the weather safety lookout. See the fullAquatic Swim Safety Testing Policy. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. You cannot predict how deep the water may be. Backyard pools can provide many hours of summer fun, but they can also be dangerous. Generated by Wordfence at Wed, 1 Mar 2023 22:41:30 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString());. At the YMCA you are not just a member; youre part of our family. Statistically speaking, thats a real risk. endstream (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. ZmNmNzAzY2ZlNGI3OWE2Yzk0M2MzMzk0M2JmMzE0MjIxMTc0NjNlMzY4MjRh YMCA Policy prohibits sex offenders from accessing YMCA facilities. The National Weather Service, Downloads: Lightning Safety Guidelines (this page) Model Emergency Action Plan Lightning Site Preparation ChecklistEvery year, lightning strikes and kills people on or near bodies of water. The possession or carrying of any deadly or offensive weapon by any person is prohibited in any YMCA building, property, owned, leased or used. 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. Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing. 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. NDFlYjI3NTI3Y2VmYmZkZGI3ZDEwNjgxMDcwNmI2NGY1OTVmOGRjNmNhYzQ3 Jehn has mostly taught for private swim schools, but she is also a certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. ZTMzMDEzYTcxNGI3ZjZiOGJmMWIyZDg0YWQ4OTBiOTdhMzRlNjFmZGQ3ZDFk AUTHORIZED EXCEPTIONSCertified and sworn municipal, state or federal police officers who carry proper identification and are on duty are exempt from this policy. Theft or behavior that results in the destruction or loss of property. Allrightsreserved. Vulnerable locations include: beaches, outdoor pools, diving boards, lifeguard stands, and nearby outdoor recreational facilities. If there are storms in the area, we recommend you check one of these resources before heading to the YMCA for a swim. Interested in taking a Red Cross First Aid or CPR course? Determine the distance of lightning from a location by using the "flash-to-bang rule. 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. While some did not hear the warning, others heard the warning and did not pay attention to it. Shutter windows and close outside doors securely. 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. endobj endobj "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. Vulnerable locations include: beaches, outdoor pools, diving boards, lifeguard stands, and nearby outdoor recreational facilities. People come to indoor pools to have fun; however we must also remain diligent in clearing the indoor pools during thunderstorms. 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