In the midst of a hot Saturday afternoon, the Watchdog visited Skyline Park and observed the operations of the pool from outside the chain link fence. He wanted to makek sure that circumstances no longer existed that had led to a child almost drowning and being rushed to the hospital [after regaining consciencenous.]
Properly guarding this expansive pool is a daunting task 
since it consists of five distinct areas of varying functions, all interconnected in an irregular manner. There are several well positioned guard stands with different orientations and each guard is responsibility for watching over a specific pool area.
Approximately a half dozen uniformed guards were in the elevated chairs, with whistles at hand, and observant of their area of responsibility. During the visit, a guard change took place with a minimum of distraction as one guard climbed down and the other immediately took the seat.
The guard assigned to the diving pool was alert, although management should review its procedures. (The diving area is so prone to serious injuries to divers and those swimming below that diving boards are becoming relatively rare.) Sometimes the board was being used and the pool area beneath was cleared. Moments later when no one was on the board, up to a dozen youngsters were swimming in the board area, even in the diving projectory. (The guard blew her whistle and told youngsters to not grab hold of the board from beneath.)
Either diving should or should not be permitted at a given period, with the board blocked off when diving is not allowed and the pool clear of bathers when the board is being used. There is simply too much to expect of a guard to be able to clear a diving pool in the seconds it may take for someone to decide to hop up on the board and take a running dive. Current practice is inherently dangerous.
Otherwise the only other suggestion would be that youngsters not be allowed to run within the fenced in area.
Editor’s Note: The Watchdog has been responsible for the operations of multiple swimming pools for 45 years.
I thank you for observing those charged with keeping swimmers safe at Skyline. The guards at Skyline are very observant and enforce all rules, but the diving area does seem dangerous with crowds. However, you state that the victim of the July incident was rushed to the hospital in an unconcious state, but this is simply untrue. The victim began breathing on her own accord once removed from the water, and was completely concious while being treated by guards while waiting for the ambulance. Please make sure you have facts straight before publishing stories.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Here’s the account from the Intelligencer Journal / New Era. We believe that such an event should not occur in a guarded swimming pool.
Judge for yourself.
July 12, 2010
Intelligencer Journal
http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/265436
“The guard was on duty at the children’s pool at Skyline, 245 Eden Road, when she noticed a 3-year-old Manheim Township girl in the water who was not breathing, township police Sgt. Tom Rudzinski said.
“According to a witness, the child was limp and blue-faced when pulled from the water.
“The unconscious child began breathing on her own, Rudzinski said, before being transported to the hospital.”
A watchdog at a local pool? Its incredible how small towns in Lancaster can’t find something better to do with their time. This is news? What a joke. Sadly, while people who contribute to articles like this there are well qualified professionals who spend each day watching these kids at the pool and do a wonderful job at it. Please watchdog, go to school, get an education, and become a fully contributing member of society instead of being a nobody trapped behind the fences of life that don’t matter a bit.