Linda Schmidt

Review of Ymca At Pabst Farms

I want to note that the aquatics manager is addres...

I want to note that the aquatics manager is addressing the issue with the board to see if it is mandatory to keep this rule in place. I received a reply from them very quickly and feel confident that all is being done to maintain safety & keep up the level of customer service we know & expect.

My grandson had his final swimming lesson on Tuesday, 10/20/15. The manager of the swimming pool area closed the pools due to a visual sighting of lightning in the sky. The classes were canceled because we were told that the pool had to remain empty for 30 minutes following the last lightning strike. We had never heard of this rule and are familiar with many rules & regulations because we work in the construction industry. We looked up the information on the internet and found an article from Aquatics International stating that it is more dangerous to clear an indoor pool, sending people to showers in the locker room our out into a storm than to let them stay in the pool. "The National Electric Code, which has been adopted by every governmental body in the United States, requires all buildings to have the ability to shunt the voltage generated by a lightning strike. The structure must have a complete lightning protection system, and be properly grounded and bonded. If the electric wiring/grounding in your facility is up to the required code, no indoor area should close during outdoor thunderstorm activity, says Dr. Vicki Weiss, a regular lap swimmer in Maryland. In fact, a pool closure policy is in violation of the National Electric Code section 250.4(A)(1) and you will be subject to regulatory enforcement. Dr. Weiss adds that facility operators must understand they are breaking the law by closing indoor pools.