Temporary Procedure for “Over Capacity Conditions” at Shannondale

Effective 7/30/06 until a formal procedure is provided by the Board and/or subcommittee

Over Capacity Procedure
As stated from the Michigan Swimming Pool Rules:

The posted capacity, as determined by the State of Michigan Health Department is 100. R 325.2193

Bather capacity limits.
Rule 93. (1) A swimming pool owner shall ensure that the number of persons in bathing apparel within a swimming pool enclosure does not exceed the bather capacity limit established by the department or local health department.

The posted legal capacity for the large pool at Shannondale is 100. Keep in mind this is the “legal” capacity. The Board authorizes the Manager on duty to implement the following procedure at less than 100 if he/she determines it necessary to effectively guard the pool to insure the safety of all present.

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When the bather load is nearing capacity:

1. The Manager is to immediately blow the whistle, evacuate the pool, and conduct a bottom scan.
2. Ask all patrons to line up on the yellow line for a pin check. This includes individuals in street clothes. While doing the pin check this is an opportunity to inform those in street clothes that the pool is at its legal and SAFE capacity and ask them to pay particular attention to the swimmers that are with them. As they are not “in bathing apparel” you do not have to count them in the bather capacity and ask them to sit down or step back from the line so the guards can get an accurate count of actual bathers.
3. Make sure all guests have arm bands.
4. INSURE THAT ALL YOUNG CHILDREN HAVE EITHER PASSED THE PROFICIENCY TEST OR ARE BEING IMMEDIATELY SUPERVISED BY A RESPONSIBLE ADULT. INFORM THAT ADULT OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THEIR ROLE AT THIS TIME WITH THEIR VULNERABLE SWIMMER (S). IF THEY ARE UNCOMFORTABLE ENCOURAGE THEM TO COME BACK AT A BETTER TIME.
5. Ask all present without pins to leave. This includes recognized/known members.
6. Determine the number of actual bathers once all remaining bathers have been identified with pins or arm bands.
7. If the pool is still over its posted capacity or beyond the guards comfort zone (less than 100) two things need to happen simultaneously. Begin asking for volunteers to leave and post a sign on the fence.
1. Begin asking for volunteers explaining (you can read this to them aloud, use the bull horn if necessary) “Shannondale pool is beyond its legal limit and SAFE number of swimmers as determined by the State of Michigan Health Department Swimming Pool Administrative Rules. All nonmembers and unsupervised non-swimmers have been removed so we now have to ask for volunteers. We need ____ volunteers to leave so we can be back at a SAFE number of swimmers that we can SAFELY and EFFECTIVELY guard in pool. Please keep in mind that more than likely you can return in an hour or two when the number of swimmers is again reduced. If you are a paying guest we will happily refund your money or provide you a free pass to come back and visit us at another time. Do we have any volunteers?”
2. If you do not have enough volunteers refer to the Guest Sign In Sheet and start at the top. This assumes that the ones at the top have been there the longest and would be more willing to voluntarily leave and come back later.
3. Post a copy of the attached sign on the fence explaining that the pool is at legal and SAFE capacity and that no more swimmers can enter the pool area until at least the top of the next hour and only then if determined to be safe to do so.
4. Write a brief summary of all your actions and make this available to the Manager on his/her next shift.

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