HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/3/2021 Item 2, Dooley
PRC 11/3/2021
Agenda Item 2. 11/3/2021
Regarding SLO Swim Center
I am encouraged to see the SLO Swim Center on the agenda.
I would like to address some of the issues discussed at last month’s meeting regarding the Swim Center
staffing and lack of planning.
Mr. Avakian said that staff had been evaluating “Plans A B and C” regarding the pool lifeguard situation
and “unfortunately ended at Plan C.” The Swim Club and the lifeguard staff were being reassured that
everything was fine and the normal schedule would be maintained, even if there were going to be
occasional disruptions due to short staffing, up to the week before the announcement. If there were
Plans A, B and C, shouldn’t the club have been alerted, especially when they asked, as they were hiring
coaching staff in anticipation of a normal Fall schedule? I find the ABC scenario to be either poor
partnership at best, or untrue at worst.
An announcement has been made that the November schedule will continue at 22 hours a week.
Regarding Mr. Hyfield’s agenda item, the staffing at the Swim Center is not just a numbers game of “not
enough guards”. There are reasons our numbers have suffered. Impartial (meaning not swim center
supervision) exit interviews should be conducted with all the guards from last summer and anyone who
leaves now. Please examine the planning and management of this amazing facility. It is open 22 hours a
week. Compare that to any other recreation facility the city has, and then factor in the expense of
maintaining it, open or closed.
I have reviewed schedules at Cuesta College and Morro Bay City Pool and seen no reduction in their
schedules. As like every year, Cal Poly has added guards for the swim season, as I would believe SLO
High did.
I appreciate that some Commissioners wanted to cheerlead for staff last month, but to prevent this
situation from recurring, you need to ask uncomfortable questions. I appreciate Mr. Spector’s focus and
commitment to address the issues again at this evening’s meeting.
A final note, the minutes on your website only go through the July meeting. You all work hard at these
meetings, and I think the minutes should be up to date.
Thank you for your time and service.
Paula Dooley