Gypsum Creek Pool

When it becomes apparent inclement weather is threatening, the lifeguards, head lifeguards, aquatic supervisor, or any aquatic management member will make the call to close the facility, respectively. The lifeguard will immediately prompt one long whistle blast, signaling for everyone to get out of the water due to weather.

Weather closures include:

1. Thunder/Lightning
   1. If a lightning strike is seen (not a flash) or thunder is clearly heard by the lifeguards, the outdoor aquatic facilities will be closed. The pool will be closed for 30 minutes from the last sight of lightning. Sound will be taken into consideration, but the clear sign of lightning will be the definite determination if the pool closes.
   2. Gypsum Recreation Center – The indoor pool is grounded and bonded and will remain open during a storm. The flash to bang method (5 seconds between lightning and thunder) will be followed in case of a severe storm. The indoor pool will be closed for 15 minutes from the last sight of lightning.
   3. Technology may also be used by aquatic staff to help decide if a facility will be closed due to lightning
   4. If storms persist and causes activities to be cancelled, the lead lifeguard/lifeguards on duty will check with an aquatic professional staff member to determine whether to close facilities for the remainder of the day.
2. Heavy Rain/Strong Winds
   1. Can cause visibility problems where the bottom of the pool cannot be seen. When the bottom of a pool’s main drains or lane markers cannot be seen, the lifeguard(s) will suspend all activity and follow appropriate procedures. Lifeguards will use the appropriate whistle blast (1 long whistle blast) and quickly clear the patrons.
   2. People may remain on the deck during heavy rain/wind but be aware lifeguards may ask people to come to the main building if it is severe and/or will last for a prolong time.
3. Air Quality
   1. If current air quality is 140 or higher (based on PurpleAir reading), the outdoor pools will be closed and remain closed until the reading is below 140 and it is determined it is safe to be back on the pool deck (you can reference our Air Quality Policy for more information if needed).
4. Fog
   1. If fog prevents lifeguards from seeing their entire zone (surface and depth of water), the pool will be closed until the fog clears up.
5. Temperature
   1. Pools will close if the air temperature, including wind chill, drops below 45 degrees or is predicted to drop below 45 degrees.
   2. If pool water temperature is below 75⁰F or above 95⁰F, the pools will be closed until the temperature of the water is back within normal limits. If the spa is over 103⁰F, it will be closed until the temperature lowers under 103⁰F
6. Hail
   1. If the facility were to experience hail of any kind, lifeguards will clear the pool and ask everyone inside the main building until it subsides.
7. Snow
   1. If it is actively snowing, we will not operate the outdoor pools

Even with these policies herein, Mountain Recreation professional staff and lifeguards have the ultimate decision authority on pool closures based on the health, safety, and welfare of all patrons.

1. Always follow the directions of the lifeguard. Aquatic staff reserve the right to enforce and/or modify rules as needed
2. Bather Load: 90 persons
3. The pool shall only be open for use if there are Mountain Rec lifeguards stationed at the pool
4. Patrons must shower before entering the pool
5. Any person with diarrhea, a communicable illness, or open wounds/sores is not permitted to enter the pool
6. DO NOT drink the pool water
7. Use of any drugs, alcohol, or tobacco/smoking products is strictly prohibited. Any person determined to be under the influence will be kindly asked to leave the facility
8. Glass is prohibited in the pool area. Food and drink are permitted in the pool area as long as it is 6 feet from the edge of the pool
9. Proper swimwear is required to use the pool. Swim diapers are required for those who are not toilet trained
10. Children under the height of 48″ or 4 feet must always be within an arms reach of a supervising adult unless they have passed a Mountain Rec swim test
11. Children under the height of 48″ or 4 feet must be supervised by someone who is at least 14 years of age.

    a. Three or more children must be accompanied by someone who is at least 16 years of age

12. Diving and head first entries are strictly prohibited
13. No prolonged breath-holding exercises or games
14. Use of toys, flotation devices, or Mountain Rec equipment are only permitted at the discretion of pool staff
15. Changing clothes or diapers on the pool deck is strictly prohibited
16. Flotation devices must be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. The use of any inflatable pool toys is strictly prohibited
17. No running on the pool deck
18. Excessive PDA will not be tolerated
19. No dunking or horse play
20. Taking any pictures or videos is strictly prohibited