Mayor: Pool Generates
Overwhelming Response
The new pool has been open for three weeks now and the response from residents has been overwhelmingly positive. Pool members appreciate that the pool does not have the look or feel of an institutional facility. Rather, pool members refer to the new pool looking like a “resort” or a “spa”. The new features, including the zero-entry entrance, the water slides, the beautifully landscaped grounds, the high-end outdoor furniture and the free WiFi, all contribute to a very positive experience.
Of course with any new construction of this magnitude, there will be issues that need to be addressed. We are working with our engineers, architects and the construction company to finalize these matters. Nearly all of these items are fairly minor and do not impact the operation of the pool or the safety of the pool’s staff or members.
There was a sudden and unexpected incident in which one of the push up umbrellas blew off of its stand. This is clearly a safety issue and was addressed promptly by our pool staff. Within hours of that incident our pool staff had drilled holes through each of the 22 push-up umbrellas and stands to more securely fasten each umbrella to its stand with stainless steel bolts and nuts.
However, there are several rumors circulating that are simply not true. One rumor is that there is a problem with the design of the dive tank. I want to clearly state that the dive tank meets or exceeds the state code requirements for dive tanks. Our pool has ¾-meter diving boards and, per state code, the required depth of the dive tank is nine feet deep. Our dive tank is nine feet deep. Many may be understandably confused because our old pool had a 12-foot deep dive tank. However, when our old pool was built in 1963, it had a three-meter diving board, which required a 12-foot deep diving tank. The old pool’s three-meter diving board was removed in the early 1980s.
Further, I have heard rumors of casualties such as broken arms and concussions resulting from patrons going off the diving board. These rumors are also false. The truth is that on opening day one patron had to be rescued by our lifeguards because that patron jumped off the diving board and did not know how to swim. Another patron returned to the pool three hours after leaving the pool complaining of a fat lip that he claimed occurred diving off the board. Out of an abundance of caution, in response to that incident, we directed the lifeguards to inform divers to limit diving to feet-first dives while we had our engineers check and re-check to make certain that the dive tank was in compliance with New York State safety codes. Our engineers have checked and re-checked and they have confirmed, once again, that our dive tank meets or exceeds the safety requirements.
Nonetheless, partly because the dive tank is smaller than the dive tank in the old pool, we will prohibit certain unsafe diving techniques that were tolerated in the old pool. Also, the free swimming lessons given at our pool will now also include instruction on proper and safe diving techniques.
Our new pool was designed and built by professionals so that it meets all safety and handicap accessibility codes. Of course, if you see something that you think might be unsafe, please express your concerns to our pool director, or one of our assistant pool directors, one of whom is always on site. You can be assured that all concerns will be promptly evaluated and addressed if necessary.
Stop by the pool and ask for a tour. The pool is an exceptional facility and the residents should show it off with pride to their family and friends.
