Five Star Summer at H-F Pools

Homewood-Flossmoor Park District

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Nicole Castagna/Bob Birgel
PR / Marketing Department
708-957-0300

FIVE-STAR SUMMER AT H-F

Flossmoor, IL (Aug. 18, 2006) -- The outdoor swim season is wrapping up, and the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District is proud to announce that its two community pools received the highest safety rating possible throughout the summer.

Dolphin Lake Pool (183rd Street and Governors Highway) and Lions Club Pool (1041 Ridge Road) were audited three days this summer by the Starfish Aquatics Institute of Savannah, Ga.: June 30, Aug. 1 and Aug. 13.

"An audit is where an outside agency visits the pools unannounced," explains Erik Enslen, H-F Park District aquatics supervisor. "The auditor videotapes the lifeguards as they are scanning the pool for 20 minutes to ensure that the industry standard is met. He then stages a training situation for the guards to respond to and videotapes that as well."

Once the audit is completed, the pool is rated. Both pools received a five-star rating — the highest possible — each time, indicating that the guards exceeded all industry standards for safety. Currently, the H-F Park District pools are two of only three facilities nationwide that have received this rating three times this year.

"We are exceptionally proud of our lifeguards," said Enslen. "The service they provide to our communities and the park district is invaluable; they've really made it an enjoyable summer for many families."

Approximately 60 lifeguards were employed by the park district this summer. Reduced open swim hours are available for the remainder of the season, due to several guards returning to college.

Beginning Monday, Aug. 21, Dolphin Lake Pool will be open noon-3:30 p.m. until its last day of the season, Friday, Aug. 25. Lions Club Pool will be open 4:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21-Friday, Aug. 25, and 12:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26-Sunday, Aug. 27. Aug. 27 is the last day of pool service at Lions Club Pool.

For more information or daily pool fees, call 708-957-7275 or visit hfparks.com.

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