Posted By Simon Walsh Grad IOSH
If the pool is open to the public surely there is an existing evacuation plan already in place.

The plan should cover the means for warning of a fire, using wardens (life guards) to ensure persons can get out of the pool and out of the premises efficiently and safely. Making sure that all the fire exits are available for use at all material times and having a designated point in a safe place away from the building for a roll call to be taken. As people will be in their bathing suits it may be beneficial to arrange with any nearby premises (e.g. a community centre) for the swimming club members to gather there in case of cold weather.

A system also needs to be in place for notifying the fire brigade of a fire so a mobile phone or payphone will need to be identified as being available. A record of the fire drill will need to be maintained with any problems identified with it and action taken to rectify any problems.

Posted By Clairey O
i think that you will find that in an emergency situation the swimming pools own EAP will take over from whatever you decide.

there is nothing to stop you however conducting a roll call of your swimmers adn teachers/coaches to make sure that you have got them all.

have you spoken to the centre staff about what they would like you to do?

In my former life as a pool manager we would hold the swimmers at the fire exit in the pool hall whilst we ascertained the need to exacuate the entire site or just part of it. the swimmers appreciated it as they didn't have to stand out in the freezing cold unless absolutley necessary. we also handed them survival blankets to help keep them warm.

Posted By Joe Ridley
Hi there,

As part of your hire agreement the swimming pool should have given you a copy of their evacuation procedure. At the very least they should give you information on what to do in an emergency situation. This could be as basic as 'ensure your swimmers are out of the pool and ready to leave the building by the exit located at ...'. I have been on at our managers to ensure they have informed all clubs of their evacuation procedure.

As a matter of interest what was 'terrible'?

Joe

Posted By Merv Newman
For short-term coverage for people who are not yet hypothermic I feel that mylar sheets are the most efficient and cost effective. Emergency rescue people are usually concerned with low numbers - maybe up to half a dozen. And they will most often have the space and ressources to carry a number of blankets or make other arrangements. Unless there is a major disaster, such as a ship or train wreck, which will stretch any group's emergency preparedness. And rescued people in those circumstances can usually be got into sheltered accomodation, even if only into an ambulance. Once rescued.

Here we are talking of maybe 50 to 200 people getting out of the water with minimum clothing who need to be held in more or less confortable circumstances. Nothing life threatening until maybe the fire develops and they have to quit the building. By which time emergency rescue teams will be coming along. We are also talking about an urban situation in which moving to other buildings - maybe the police station or a local schoool is an immediate option.

So, I would not suggest that every municipal swimming pool or club maintains or transports an appropriate number of blankets. Mylar, in my opinion, remains a sound, short-term, option.

Posted By Merv Newman
Bret,

ok, you are technically correct, but my preference for something light and easy for club secretaries to transport is, I think, the best, most efficient solution that they can carry with them with the kit.

Remember we are only talking about light protection in urban circumstances. Really just keeping people confortable. And don't forget the modesty/Morale factor.

We can argue between us on the optimum solutions. But what is most practical in the probable situation ?

I'm not at all disputing your advice. Just, in the event of an emergency call at a municipal swimming pool, thinking about what would be best for the people involved and the cost effectiveness of emergency preparedness.

Can I buy you a beer ?

Merv

Posted By Merv Newman
Brett,

two beers. And, while driving down here today (toulouse) I did reflect on your posting and decided that you obviously knew more about the subject than me. I concede.

But car blankets ? Gott in himmel ! But then again, "nisi dominus aedificarverit" (my old school motto)(basing house)

Merv