We are certainly, to my knowledge as a life-long resident, blessed to have averted the horrendous tragedy that just recently occurred at a community pool in Fall River, MA. A loss that is indescribable not only to the community, but to the victim's friends and family. A loss that may have been prevented because of many factors, yet a loss that may also not have occurred if there was underwater viewing aids installed in the pool. An underwater viewing aid allow lifeguards to see underwater and this type of equipment can be used for all types of swimming pools. Another prevention which is underwater remote monitoring that will document any type of event that may occur including anything questionable. Lastly, there is computer-aided drowning detection systems that monitor with computer software activities of swimmers and alerts staff if swimmers exhibit any behavior associated with drowning.
Growing up in a city with tremendous maritime history and living along the water is a treasure especially on those humid summer days when the sea breeze keeps us cool. However, having a community pool to swim in especially if you are not lucky enough to have a pool of your own is a treasure too. Life is a treasure as well and though there are cities that struggle with budget cuts due to the economy, but equipment that can aid the lifeguards that patrol the pool area and the pool is a necessity. I think the days of just calling the multiple swimmers out of the water in order to do a safety check is no longer good enough. With surveillance and monitoring everywhere in today's modern world like in the novel 1984; an important factor that just may save a future life are underwater aids. An investment of this type of equipment is just as priceless as the people it will protect. Enjoy the summer, enjoy your family and friends, and definitely jump in and enjoy that cool, refreshing summertime dip.
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http://www.wickedlocal.com/salem/news/lifestyle/columnists/x1259736582/Tammy-Callanan-Community-pool-could-benefit-from-Big-Brother#axzz1TWVvDlN2
Doug Bollen likes this.
ReplyDeleteTammy Anne Callahan-Callanan to Doug Bollen:
ReplyDeleteHi Doug
I did have a wonderful time at the pool this afternoon with the boys...Question; I heard some discontent about the limit of people allowed in the pool area...I understand for safety purposes believe me especially after the incident that has made headlines from Fall River...My question is the idea of the surveillance and software equipment, that I wrote in the column,for next season might be brought up to the powers to be...The pool is due for repairs anyhow...
Doug Bollen to Tammy Callanan
Hi Tammy,
we just renovated the pool and have a lot more to do. There is a legal limit to how many people a lifeguard can cover. 8 lifeguards are our full coverage and when the number of swimmers goes beyond what they can cover, we have to limit the amount of swimmers. Hard to do, but they must. Thanks for your suggestions and we will look into it.
Doug