Another Day, Another Incident of Bodily Fluids Closing Wolfe Park Pool

I arrived at the pool; I set up my towels and umbrella and took a swim. Was just getting comfortable when the long whistle went off. Someone had pooped in the pool. I started the job of packing my stuff up and telling my kid that we need to go home.

When will we come up with solutions to this?

I know that a splash pad is planned and will be installed in the near future but this is not a solution. Harold and I recently spoke with directors of other pools. One director: Explained that they require all children three and under to wear rubber pants under their bathing suits and they sell them at the pool. Another pool requires and randomly checks to see if children are wearing the required clothes.

I asked if either pool required patrons to vacate the area. I was surprised to learn that one of the pools did. They explained that they closed for two hours and sent lifeguards home without pay. This was a way of recouping some of the money lost. It also reminded the lifeguards to be more vigilant. The other pool stayed open with a lifeguard watching the water and telling the patrons to stay out until the water was safe.

Then there’s our pool, the lifeguards do not go home but all patrons are required to vacate the area. This has led to constant complaining by patrons and out of town members. I heard many members asking why we can't just stay on the lawn.This question has been brought to the director several times with no resolution.

There was a couple sitting next to me visibly upset by the directions to leave. In discussion I learned that they traveled about fifteen minutes to get to the pool and after packing up their two children it was not realistic for them to return that day. They had brought guest and as I left they were asking for a refund. I wished I could help them but I had to pack up my kids and vacate.

As a parent of a six-year-old and a 10-year-old I understand that accidents happen, but there are precautions that parents should take. A child three and under should be wearing either swim diapers or rubber pants under their bathing suits. A parent should know that a child should wait at least fifteen minutes after eating to swim. These practices will help cut down on bodily fluid issues at the pool.