Story City Pool Phone # 515-733-2686

• Children 14 years and younger must pass a deep water test before entering
  • Lifeguards may request someone older pass the test if they have concerns.
• A coast guard approved life vest may be used in the deep swim area (small area between buoys) provided a parent is within arm’s reach at all times. No water wings or other floatation devices allowed.
• No swimming in the dive well is allowed without passing the deep end test
• Rough play is not allowed (dunking, riding on shoulders, throwing people & holding anyone under the water)
• During Family Swim Time: 3 lanes will be dedicated for lap swimming & 3 lanes for family swim. The diving boards & slide will not be open during this time.

Deep End Water Test

In an effort to minimize potential risks and life safety issues in deep water by novice/inexperienced swimmers, we will be following a procedure at the Story City Pool that will assess swimming skills. The procedure will be in effect for all youth 14 and under who wish to swim in water greater than 5 feet deep. The procedure will entail a swimming test (crawl stroke, using good form, must be able to perform skill comfortably). It will require participants to swim 2 widths of the pool (without stopping or touching on the bottom) and treading water for 1 min in the deep end (without touching bottom or side). The test is designed to better assure staff and our young patrons that they possess the ability to swim in deep water and is another ounce of prevention. Lifeguards may request someone older pass the test if they have concerns.

Before entering the deep end of the pool (including lap lanes), all children aged 14 and younger must pass a deep water test as follows:

• Jump into deep water and return to the surface.
• Swim proper front crawl with head in the water across the width of the deep end and ¾ back. Stop without touching the wall.
• Tread water for one full minute with head out of water (should be able to speak).
• Then swim to safety and climb out of the pool.

Deep water tests will be given by lifeguards upon request. You may have to wait until an off stand guard is available. Upon passing of test, a wrist band will be issued to the swimmer and test results recorded in the member’s record. On subsequent visits, swimmers who have passed the deep water test must pick up a wrist band from the office at check in.

If you have further questions regarding this procedure, please contact the Recreation & Aquatics Supervisor. As always, no procedure is ever a total safeguard. However, if this assessment helps to protect out swimmers, it is well worth it!

• Lifeguards may request someone older pass the test if they have concerns.

The Story City Pool will be closed in the following situations:

• If the temperature is 70 degrees or less (decision will be made by 10am if the pool will open at 11am and Noon if the pool will open at 1pm)
• If attendance is less than 10 patrons for more than one hour the pool may be closed for the day.
• If attendance is less than 15 the slides may be closed
• Swimming is prohibited during thunder & lighting and the pool must be cleared for 30 minutes after the last sight or sound was observed by staff. Deepening on the size of the storm the pool may be closed for the day.
• The Pool Managers & Aquatics Supervisor have the authority to close the pool for any of the above reasons.
• In all closure situations other than inclement weather we will give a 30 min warning before closing.