Insurers impressed by commitment to pool safety

By Jay Turner

Amid heightened concerns over public swimming pool safety, the Canton town pool on Bolivar Street recently underwent a review from the town’s insurer and came away with high overall marks — a comforting bit of news in light of the tragedy that unfolded at a DCR pool in Fall River last month.

Swimming lessons at the town pool on Bolivar Street (Amy Nachbar photo)

Just last week, three state workers were forced to resign as part of the fallout from the drowning death of 36-year-old Marie Joseph, whose body went undetected in the murky waters of Vietnam Veterans Memorial Pool at Lafayette Park for more than 48 hours. During that time, the pool remained open to the public.

Richard Sullivan, the state’s energy and environmental affairs secretary, has characterized the events leading to Joseph’s death as a “systematic breakdown” of proper procedures. And while there has been no indication of similar lapses at other state- or town-run pools, officials throughout the commonwealth are responding with extra precautions this summer to ensure the safety of all swimmers.

“It was a terrible thing that happened [in Fall River],” said Canton Recreation Director Jeff Kaylor, whose department operates the Bolivar Street pool — the town’s only municipal swimming area.

Kaylor stressed that safety and sanitation have always been the top priority at the Bolivar pool, which is why they were more than happy to oblige when the town’s insurance company requested an on-site visit.

“I’m open to any suggestions to make it a safer place,” he said. “If we can make it better, we definitely will make it better.”

Although he has not yet received a copy of the final report, Kaylor said the inspector, who visited the facility on July 15, came away with a positive impression.

“He said, basically, that we’ve got a good operation,” said Kaylor, adding that the one suggestion he made — to replace an old electrical panel in the pump room — was already on the Recreation Department’s to-do list and scheduled to be completed at the end of the current season.

In terms of daily safety procedures, Kaylor said the pool director, Sandy Hart, regularly reviews them with staff members, all of whom are certified Red Cross lifeguards and experienced swimmers.

In addition, Kaylor said the staff tests the water every two hours for chlorine and alkalinity, as required by the Board of Health and the state sanitary code for swimming pools, and they perform regular safety checks and fill out daily reports.

They also clear the pool every hour on the quarter of the hour — a practice they implemented several years ago, according to Kaylor. The objective, he said, is twofold: It gives the kids a built-in rest period and gives the adults a chance to swim in an uncrowded area.

The pool is also well staffed, with as many as seven or eight lifeguards on a busy day and a minimum staffing of four. At least one lifeguard is assigned to the waterslide at all times.

And with a highly qualified staff and clear-cut rules and safety procedures, Kaylor said the patrons are generally well behaved and injuries are infrequent.

Located on Bolivar Street approximately one-half mile from Washington Street, the town pool is open daily to Canton residents from 1-6 p.m. until August 28. The fee for public swimming is $3 per day, or residents may purchase a season permit, which is $50 for a family, $15 for an adult, or $10 for a child 17 and under.

Note: There are still spaces available for various summer programs offered by the Recreation Department during the month of August. Programs include day camp (August 8-19), tennis, basketball, flag football, and a sports clinic for younger children. Visit www.cantonrec.com for more information or sign up at the Recreation office, located at 92 Pleasant Street.

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