CHANUTE — A group of residents think the city of Chanute is all wet because of its decision to keep the city’s swimming pool closed this summer.
Local swimming enthusiasts have formulated an online petition, and announced their intentions to appeal for the city to reverse its May 26 decision to keep the Maring Aquatic Center closed for 2020.
City commissioners voted unanimously for the closure, citing insufficient staffing numbers. A former lifeguard, Abigail Morris, told the Chanute Tribune several new applicants have stepped forward within the past week.
The Tribune noted the Commission’s decision came because of the staffing necessary to oversee the pool and a lazy river.
Closing the lazy river portion remains problematic, because of the drowning hazard posed if it were filled with water, or conversely a falling hazard if the river were emptied. Water slides that empty into the lazy river also would have to be off limits.
Getting an applicant certified as a lifeguard requires a 28-hour course, including fitness and endurance testing, coursework and practical skills training, the Tribune noted. And because of social distancing measures still in place because of COVID-19 pandemic, the Red Cross is not recommending full course training.
The Commission’s next meeting is Monday evening.
The closure comes while Iola officials still are planning to reopen the Iola Municipal Pool later this month. Humboldt City Council members will decide Monday whether to reopen their city pool.
