The subject is roses
The Gardeners of the Bluffton/Pandora area will hold its February meeting on the topic of roses. The meeting is from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14, in the lower level of the Bluffton Public Library. Click for details.
By Fred Steiner | Thu, Jul 29, 2010
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I used to be a lifeguard at the pool and recently re-visted it. There were quite a few changes. There were new ID passes and no longer a concession stand but vending machines. New shade structures and lounge chairs, but no heater or wading pool. It was great to see a new lifeguard chair in the zero depth area.
Both boards were still in sue, which is unusual in this day and age and the slide was packed.
The inside was clean and well kept, but I was not impressed with the flowerbed out front. They were not maintained at all, but left to grow unchecked with weeds. We used to water and weed these beds as pool employees. Why are they not being taken care of?
We were always told, any area dealing with the pool, including parking lots, was our responsibility. It's sad to see this maintenance go astray. This area gives a first impression to visitors.
Managers were on duty and guards in all the chairs and the slide. The most disturbing information I got was that none of the managers are lifeguard certified. This used to be a requirement to hold those positions and was stressed by the Park Board.
How has this area gotten lax? What happens when guards don't show up? I can vouch that they do forget they have to work or get their schedule messed up. Does the pool close on those days or do they open short handed and unsafe?
I know certain areas required guards by state law. My biggest concern is what happens in an emergency and the guards panic.
The managers who are older and can remain calmer are there to step in and rescue the victim. This cannot be done with untrained help. And I know first hand that 15-year-old life guards sometimes panic and forget their training. All I can say is that thank God I remember my training when I took my children there.
Sharon Long
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funny how one of the small 15 year old kids saved a 300 pound man, by himself. EVERYONE who works at the pool is trained in rather CPR, lifeguard, or some form of first aid. I'm pretty sure there has never once even been a kid that has gone all the way under because the guard noticed them quick enough to jump in and save them. Sorry that the flowers arent pretty enough for you, but the guards and are busy saving life's and making sure rules arent broken so accidents dont happen. Im proud to say I guard there.
In reading all of these comments I was wandering if all of these accidents or saves have been documented? If not why? Is there any documentation on prior years? This should be a real concern for our Council, Mayor, Staff management and the general public. I do want to say that it is great that the guards that did rescue the kids and aided in the accidents I commend you. Great Job!
I think that everyone should take a step back and breath. The reason being, some of the villages and cities are closing their pools due to budget reasons. A pool is not there to make money. It is there for the luxury of the tax payer to enjoy when available. Also as a tax payer you elected the people that make the decisions to set the budget and the rules. Just be thankful that the members of council decided to cut an Employee instead of your pool. Just think how that employee feels no in the hot sun with no job.
Think of it this way it could have been you (the tax payer) and the employee both with a job and just no pool this year. Instead just be thankful you have your job.
I would like to see the village close the pool all together(not really). This would save well over $30,000 dollars in lost revenue for the village, since operating expenses for the pool have always, from day one, been higher than the revenue it brings in. We then, in turn, would not have to read opinions of people complaining of safety, management, and grounds keeping who most likely (my opinion)are still continuing to go to the pool. Swimming pools are a luxury! If Bluffton closed its doors the same people complaining now would be complaining, "Bluffton closed the pool!". You can't fix stupid!!!
In reading this article I would definitely like to comment. Yes, the pool is ran differently than it used to be. However, things definitely have changed since we were kids and liability and threats of law suits have ruined things that worked, including public pools.
My 15 year old daughter is one of those life guards and to say a 15 year old can panic, is a bit ageist. Anyone at any age can panic. There are 21 life guards and only about 5 are 15 years old. How would it be different for anyone of any age group if it is there 1st year? Life guards at any experience can panic. The younger kids need to get their experience too. Of these 15 year olds, 3 of them have assisted in "saving" people. I can only think of about 6 times any life guard has had to jump in the water and for 3 of them to have been those 15 year olds, I say KUDOS to them.
As for the flower beds, you are right, they are bad. They are not horrible, but bad. They were poorly designed and now need a lot of work. This is not the fault of any current employee. It is a community pool and the community could help weed them. I do not see that as just a pool or village employee issue. At the beginning of the year the swim team parents did weed them, and next year plan to plant different things, if the Village would let them. But again, Public pool, public could help volunteer to do it. Instead of making complaints, let's be part of the resolution.
As for the managers. They are amazing. Holly is a EMT and although may not be life guard certified, is Red Cross water safety certified and could definitely handle any emergency situation, as could ALL of the managers on duty. 2 of the remaining 3 ARE life guard certified. I want to stress this group of managers are wonderful and could handle any and all emergency situations. I have worked closely with the staff and the kids and I would trust this group more than staff in years past. They are professional and I am glad to have them working with our children. Again, there are 21 life guards. If one does not show up, another is called in. It has worked well. Don't know one time where they have had an empty chair due to lack of guards, just that there is not enough patrons in the pool to warrant filling the chairs.
Let's face it, Accidents at a public pool are going to happen. Especially since children these days tend to be more undisciplined than in years past and they lack the respect for the lifeguards and staff that they should have. Again, my 15 year old has NO problem making these children sit out and making them mind.
What people that come to this pool need to realize is how hard it is to maintain this as a community service, and how the Community needs to ban together and help things like the weeds, or whatever else you see needs assistance. I doubt that anyone at the Village office will send volunteers away. In year's past the communities banded together to make things better. The ability to place blame on what we think other people should be doing is truly ruining things. Community clean up days, or volunteer days being held more frequently would be great to get more people involved, as well as save the Village some tax dollars.
I buy a season pass every Dec for me from me and have done so for MANY years. The pool is one of my exercise places and I really enjoy the adult swim time. Last year we suffered because of the cold water but this year we have had warm water to swim in thanks to the sun. The staff has been polite, friendly and they do go around and pick up to keep the deck nice. We can be happy to have such a nice pool. Thanks to all who keep it that way. To bad the season is almost over.
For those of you who are unhappy with the author of the article-relax, maybe she just had a bad day:))Happens to me all the time:))
For those of you that missed the toilets, as I geathered form the previous comments- next time take a better aim, please:))))
Have a great rest of the summer and enjoy the pool...My kids love it..I know for a fact that many communities can only dream of one.. But we do not have to,cause we have one:))Life is good in Bluffton:)))
I would encourage everyone to take a deep breath and step back and look at this rationally. As the old saying goes, "There are 3 sides to the story-yours, theirs and the truth!"
Public forums such as this exist so people can share their comments, thoughts and ideas. Different people are going to look at any given situation in different ways with different perspectives. I am sure that there are both possitives and negatives about the pool just like there are about any facility. Better customer service can be achieved and a better operated facility can be achieved by being open to listening to the concerns of patrons. Telling them that if the visit once and don't like it then don't come back is not beneficial to anyone. In the world of Customer Service you often only have one chance to show the customer your best side. If they see issues that concern them they may not come back which results in lost revenue. If they voice their concerns and are "heard" and respected as having an opinion they will feel validated and want to come back. Obviously you can't please everyone so don't even suggest that I am saying that. What I am saying is that in a place that we call a Community we should not criticize someone for their opinions or concerns and tell them to not come back. Take a step back and don't be offended by someones comments. Seek first to understand, then to be understood! We will achieve a better community for all to live in if we stop bashing each other for having oppinions and having a "if you don't like it leave" attitude. We are all assets of this community!
You have only been to the pool once since youve been there! The managers dont harp on them they are very prepared and always ready to act when an emergency. There have been multiple saves this summer and ALL the lifeguards have responded in the correct ways. If your going to complain and say how bad the Bluffton pool is just don't come! or you could tell the pool this to there face and not put in on the internet! Bluffton has one of the nicest pools around here! all the lifeguards have been trained properly and arent to young! And about the work scedules they have NEVER closed the pool because shortness of lifeguards. It is the lifeguards responsibility to find someone to fill in for them or they must work. And you use to be a lifeguard you say? how many years ago? because the American Red Cross has changed a few things so your not properly qualified anymore.
-DR!
To the original letter writer:
If you have so many problems with the pool, don't go, you can always go jump a lake!--but beware, there are no lifeguards, no concession stands, and many more weeds. There also may be some deadly bacteria!
I have gone to the Bluffton Pool for almost 30 years now, and this is one of the better years for the pool. I have been there over 30 times, almost going daily with my two children-one four an one an infant. I have never noticed the lifeguards not watching the water and I personally know two of the managers are EMTs. My daughter fell twice and both times it was handled immediately and professionally. The pool is not a babysitting service for people who decide to drop their children off unsupervised-YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!! It is not a restaurant where snacks are to be provided. The vending machine is fine, if you want other snacks, bring some! As far as the diving boards--accidents unfortuately happen. Parents should watch young children anyway near the diving area if they don't trust the lifeguards. I would never let my child go off the board without a life vest of not knowing how to swim. Don't blame the lifeguard for poor parenting. People who complain about the pool must not remember the old one where you had to swim in the quarry if you wanted to dive. Who cares about weeds-there are weeds everywhere-pull them if it bothers you!
1. Don't blame lifeguards when poor parents are to blame
2. If you don't like the pool-DON'T GO! I hear Indian Lake is much nicer --haha
3. If you don't like weeds-pull them!
Check your info. Both adults and children were hurt on the diving boards. Not due to improper use, but a major lack of grit on the boards. Being to slick caused them to slip while jumping off. That is why they were roped off for a while.
As a life long resident of bluffton, I must agree that we are very lucky to have such a nice pool. These kids today wouldn't know what to do if we told them to "go jump in the lake" like I did so many years ago. Kids today are spoiled and many are not taught to respect others. Not only are they not taught, but they are not shown either. I have no doubt that all pool staff is disrespected daily. The fact that you all come back daily shows maturity. I have been pleased with this years staff. The management is much better than in previous years. The only thing I have read that has not been addressed is the diving board problem. Can someone please tell me why it took so long to take action? Why weren't they roped off sooner? Overall the staff has done a great job this year. By the way, I think reading and signing the rules is a great idea!
I am extremely upset about what has been said about the pool. My daughter & I are both at the pool daily. The lifeguards are excellent. I have watched them on several occasions rescue small children in the slide area that should have had a parent with them. I have watched time and time again small children in the pool with no parent near them--it is the parents responsibility to watch their kids, the swimming pool is NOT A FREE babysitting service as many people think!!!
I know that the assistant managers are certified lifeguards, that the pool managers have either been lifeguards in the past or are Certified EMT's, or are Certified in First Aide and CPR all employees are certified in CPR!!! How many parents are certified in First Aide or CPR?--I know not many! It is funny you critize the guards care but you wouldn't think twice about calling them to babysit in your home, would you?
These lifeguards take all kinds of crap from your kids because you have not taught them how to respect others. I feel sorry for the lifeguards. They deserve to be paid far more for babysitting your kids then they get per hour.
The baby pool was a nuisance! More big kids used it at break time unsupervised then the young kids.
Concession stands--it just cost the parents money! And try to explain to kids who do not have the luxury of extra cash at home why the other kids can run over and buy all kinds of junk. Besides it didn't make any money for the pool.
Who cares about the flower beds? If you care so much why don't you volunteer to go weed them! Or maybe we have some nice young juvenile deliquents that could do that job!
On two occasions just this week, children? or adults? have pooped in the women's restroom. Do you know who cleaned it up? Those two faithful female managers!!! not the the responsible parents!!! I have never seen the pool cleaner since Holly & JoAnne have been there. They are always outside cleaning up. They also deal with all complaints.
The kids that don't have fun anymore--your problem! We have all spoiled our children so much that they need constant gratification and entertainment. They are too busy on facebook, or on their cell phones to notice what fun is! And we definitely have not taught them how to respect and to love one another!
The pool has never been warmer then it has this year! It feels wonderful!!!!
Maybe next year they should have each person read all the rules and regulations of the pool and have them sign the forms before they are admitted to the pool so they have no
complaints--and not just one person for the family but have each person sign the form!
Would you want to do this job? Would you do a better job?
Would you work for what these kids are being paid? Would you work the hours they work in the hot sun? Before you critize others, you do the job for a day! It's not as easy as you think!
My daughter would love to be a lifeguard next year!--because of the way the lifeguards and managers have shown her respect and kindness. I praise the pool and their staff! They are great!
you go mom
Amen, Awesome aunt!!
I agree awesome comment. Someone needs to get off their high horse. If you don't like the pool so much either don't go or next year, here's a thought: why don't YOU get INVOLVED and make some of the changes you deem so necessary.
After reading these comments, I am curious about a few things. One is if safety is important to the staff, why did you not replace the diving boards after the first accident? I personally know of 2 serious accidents due to the slippery boards. My children do not go to the pool every day but every time they did go they would come home and tell me of another person getting hurt. My children stopped coming until this was fixed. Second, I have never understood why there was a consession stand to begin with. We send our children to the pool to cool off, have fun with friends, and get physical activity. I was always told to stay out of the water for 30 min. after I ate. Now we offer our kids nachos and other crappy food during swimming hours? Yes, this screams responsability and safety. How about you stop putting money into food, and start putting it into the safety of our children.
We do not have a stack of diving boards stored at the pool that can be swapped out at a moments notice when one is not functioning properly. New diving boards have to be ordered and cost thousands. It was looked into. As soon as the first person slipped on the diving board, it was closed. New surfaces were applied. When that still didn't take care of the problem they were closed again. They were sent one at a time to a resurfacing company. Again this did not help the problem. Shawnee pools was called and they gave us some advice on resurfacing them. They were done one at a time. That time we were successful. This was not a problem that could be solved in one day. It took time and when the boards were deemed unsafe they were closed. One gentleman was seriously injured because he broke a cardinal rule of public swimming pool diving boards: NO DOUBLE BOUNCING! He double bounced and the board came up and hit the bottom of his foot cause his achilles tendon to rupture. He did not slip and/or fall. He did not have to be rescued from the water. The rules of the diving board are there for a reason:SAFETY! It takes the lifeguards, the management and the patrons cooperation to maintain a high level of safety. The situation with the diving boards was handled the way it should have been.
As a regular pool going family we love the pool and all of the staff. These young people are very hard working and focused. It is my understanding that some of the mangagers are life guard certified and that they are all cpr certified and some are active EMT personnel. These managers are not unprepared for emergency situations. At no time have I ever felt my children or any other children were unsafe. I have witnessed three times this season alone when a lifeguard has jumped in to swoop up a young child who got in over their head. These guards acted quickly to do what needed to be done without any hesitation. As far as the concessions area being gone, it is a blessing in my book. It is much easier for me to keep my children satisfied with a snack we brought from home without this added temptation. We use the vending machine as a occasional treat which the children come to look forward to. Not having the concession area has saved our family a lot of money and frustration. The addition of a splash zone next year is a great idea and I look forward to seeing that project evolve. I do wish that there could be something added to the area that used to be designated for concessions. This is a large space which is currently not being used much. It would be nice if a small playground area or volleyball net or more shade options could be added to this space. In all I think the pool guards and managers do a wonderful job, thank you for everything you do to make the summer more enjoyable for my family!
I find it truly amazing that one person's rediculous and unfounded comments based on one visit to the pool can cause the people of Bluffton to suddenly question the safety of our pool, the competency of our lifeguards, and the ability of the assistant managers to do their jobs. We have five assistant managers that work at the pool. Two of those are certified lifeguards. Two are EMTs with water rescue training, one is certified in first aid, and are all certified in CPR. There are two assistant managers on duty at all times.
Our lifeguards are an unbelieveably competent and confident group of employees. The average age of our lifeguards is 17. We have three 15 year old lifeguards that have demonstrated great ability when it comes to performing their job. All our lifeguards put up with large amounts of disrespect from all ages on a daily basis and still they continue to come to work and do their job with amazing maturity. They do not forget to show up or get their schedules messed up. They spend their day on the job enforcing rules that are meant to keep swimmers safe even when told over and over that the rules are "dumb". The Bluffton pool is a safe and fun place for people to come and that is because of the assistant managers and the lifeguards. I suggest that the people of Bluffton come and find that out for themselves instead of letting one person's comments decide that for them.
I remember back to elementary and middle school days when I would go to the pool everyday. I would go to the pool because it was hot outside and I wanted to cool off in the water, it didn't matter to me if it was heated or not. If I wanted to sit around and eat nachos and candy with my friends I would have headed to Family Dollar and bought some Dorrito's and Skittles.
Regarding the "untrained" staff. A fifteen year old first year lifegaurd was able to keep his poise and save a grown man. Two managers are trained as lifegaurds and all of them are CPR trained.
Honestly, I didn't even realize that there are flowers outside. I liked to spend my time in the pool, not enjoying the scenery.
If there are safety concerns they certainly should be addressed. The safety of pool patrons should always be the highest priority and if certification for managers is standard practice then those standards should apply at our pool as well. Our family has always felt very safe and felt that the lifeguards and managers were there to support and maintain a fun and safe environment. In our experience the lifeguards always appeared to be alert and attentive to their duties. It is my understanding that there are financial constraints that have resulted in both the concession changes and the non-functioning of the pool heater. I don't know what the story is with the baby pool area but if it cannot be sustained it should be turned back over to green space. We are lucky to have such a nice pool. It is an asset to our community.
Very well stated! I share all the above concerns and agree whole heartedly. As someone that has been a lifeguard instructor and Water Safety Instructor it is inexcusable to me to have untrained managers.
I went to the pool the other day with my children only to find the lifeguards comepletely distracted and uninterested in their jobs. That attitude comes down from management. I can't tell you how many times I saw a lifeguard, in their chair, talking to another lifeguard or teenage friend on the pool deck and not looking at the water. Most disturbing was watching the guard at the diving well talking to a friend on the pool deck while small children went off the diving board. Thank goodness my children are older and very capable in the water, otherwise I wouldn't let them go. My kids have only gone a few times this year and most of their friends don't go anymore either. They say it just isn't any fun any more.
Taking away the concessions was a huge mistake. It makes the pool less attractive to families and to kids as well. One of the things kids like most is break time to sit with their friends and have nachos or candy. Families like the conveinece of being able to go to the pool and spend a day and have drinks and snacks available. If anything the concesions should have been extended like other facilities instead of eliminated.
The pool is a great asset to the community in many ways. Unfortunately it doesn't seem like the current staff or adminstrators understand its value and how to maintain it.
Families do not find the concession stand convenient. They find it expensive!
All of these things that both of you stated are the things that people could go to the Park Board and possible vent to fix the problem. But the Park board has been dissolved. So now it lays in the hands of the Mayor and two council members. It also was in the Assistant Administrators job to work at least 20 hours a week to dedicate to the pool. She took care of the everyday operations and the assistant managers. Although they did away with her and her position after 13 years with the Village. Just to save 51,000.
The Village wants more from the people but takes away the services people really want and need. Maybe the Administrator should be held accountable for the pool management?
I'm very sorry you feel that way about the pool. As one of the mamagers I take great pride in our pool. We work very hard to have a clean and safe place for everyone to enjoy. As for our lifeguards they are trained very well. They have demonstrated that they know exactly what to do in a rescue situation. We have never under staffed our pool. We have very responsible lifeguards no matter what their age. We also have managers that are certified.
I find it ironic that one of the things kids like most is break time to sit with their friends and have nachos or candy, while at the pool. If this is what the like best, why are they at the pool to begin with? The pool was not designed to be a restaurant or baby-sitting service.
So let us get this straight...
We have too few, undertrained lifeguards who are not weeding the flower beds. Managers who are untrained and who are not CPR certified. We have a community of lazy, good-for-nothing parents who treat the pool as a baby sitter. We no longer have a concession stand serving unhealthy snacks to the youth of Bluffton who shouldn't be eating it anyway. AND the youth of Bluffton shouldn't be coming to the pool to hang out with their friends and eat snacks anyway.
OR...
We have an appropriate number of trained and certified lifeguards who aren't weeding the flower beds because they are keeping us safe. Managers who are not only trained and certified but doing a great job keeping the pool clean and organized. A community that follows the safety rules and doesn't allow their children to go to the pool alone until they have reached the posted age. And then only if they are able to swim safely. We finally have vending machines that control the cost of snacks. The youth of Bluffton love their pool and would rather hang out there than anywhere else.
I think everyone needs to take a breath and read through these comments. If you break down the issues they appear mostly to arise from :
A. Irresponsible parents-you know who you are.
and
B. Parents who have forgotten what it feels like to be young-you know who you are.
If we didn't have the pool, everyone writing nasty comments about how awful it is would be the first in line demanding to know why we don't have a pool-you know who you are. And if you are the parent of one of the children who is disrespectful, rude, and underage and your child was banned from the pool you would be furious-you know who you are.
If you truly believe the pool is unsafe, don't go.
If teenagers hanging out and eating snacks throws you into a rage, don't go.
If the fact that Bluffton has irresponsible parents makes you want to keep your kids home, don't go.
I am not saying there are not now and never have been issues with our pool. What business in exsistence has 100% customer satisfaction? I am saying that our community is what we make it. We have a pool!! The majority of the parents in Bluffton are responsible, good people. The teens in Bluffton are just like teens everywhere. They like to be with their friends and they like to eat junk food. AND overall they are pretty great kids...with some stinkers of course.
I wonder what we could accomplish if all this pent up aggression was used for an actual community project...
I have been to the pool almost every day this summer with my two young children-one four and one an infant. I have had absolutely no problems and the lifeguards do watch the water and the managers are professional. First, it is the parent's job to watch their children, the lifeguards cannot be expected to watch the entire area of the pool every second as obivously, there are more people than lifeguards. As for the diving areas, children should not be going off the boards unless they can swim or wear a life jacket. Yes, the guards should watch the water, but the children should also know how to swim or wear a vest. Parents who do not trust the guards should make sure to stay close by their children. The pool is not a daycare, it is a place to go to cool off. My daughter was hurt two times at the pool and I was within arms reach of her. She was treated immediately and professionally. I have been going to the pool ever since I was two years old. The Bluffton Pool is by far the best pool around unless you want to pay to be part of a country club. I remember swimming in the old pool and stone quarry. Who cares about weeds--guess you shouldn't go to the ocean-there are weeds there too.
Main Point-the pool is not a daycare service. If you want a place for a snack and constant supervision-send your kids to daycare for the summer not the pool.
Second Point-if you don't like the pool-don't go or go to Indian Lake or Schoonover pool.
Third Point-if you don't like the weeds-pull them. It would take less time to pull them than to write the letter complaining about them!
For the record I do not have a problem with kids 8 years and older who come to the pool without a parent as long as they are respectful of the lifeguards and follow the rules of the pool. I enjoy nothing more than the hugs, the high fives, and the shout outs from these kids as I make my way around the pool throughout the day. I love these kids! Cathy, Carissa, Ally, Brock, Dakota, Emily...you make my day with your hugs and high fives! Fred, you are an ornery one but I am always happy to see your freckled face come walking thru that gate, and when you get carried away we deal with it with your mothers support and I appreciate that! Parents, send your kids to the pool. It's a great place to be! I have a huge place in my heart for these little Blufftonites! I want to see them thrive and mature into responsible teenagers and eventually adults. If at the end of the day I have made the people who visit our pool feel welcomed, cared for, and loved, and I have kept all the toilets cleaned, then I feel I have had a successful day!
My daughter slipped and fell off the diving board a few weeks ago. Holly and the lifeguards initiated first aide on her leg immediatly, and Holly called me right away. Whenever I have been at the pool the lifeguards have been doing their jobs and doing them well. I feel when my daughter goes to the pool that she is in good hands, and beleive me I am a very protective parent! I am glad that the kids have a nice and safe place to go in the summer! Keep it up!
Go Holly, I think you all do a terrific job at the pool and Bluffton is very fortunate to have it. Keep in mind, you will always have complainers. People like this thrive on gossip and complaints and that's what there life is made up of. There's a lot more UNDOERS than DOERS THings are not always perfect but when I see people like you doing a great job and then get critisized I just think oh well, the world is full of unhappy people. I know for certain that the kids that choose not to go to the pool anymore don't go because they don't like to follow rules. The ones that are there are having a great time. I'm hoping that those of you who are unhappy with the pool will find somewhere else to go but I'm sure if you do you will also have complaints there.
I thank the good Lord everyday for the Bluffton Icon because it gives you all a place to vent. Fred, you're the best.