DPR Media Contact: 
Brian Armstead, (202) 746-2092, [email protected]


(WASHINGTON, DC) – The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has installed state-of-the-art lightning strike technology at all indoor and outdoor DPR swimming pools.  The Telvent Weather Monitoring System sends an electronic alert to pool managers and area supervisors alerting that lighting has been detected within a five-mile radius of any DPR pool. The following guidelines then immediately take effect:

• In the event there is a lightning strike within 5 miles of any pool (indoor or outdoor), operations will be immediately suspended.
• Outdoor pools will clear the water and the deck of all guests. Indoor pools will just clear the water. Outdoor pool staff will seek shelter in the administrative area.
• After 20 minutes of no additional lighting strikes, operations will resume.
• In the event that the weather forecast indicates a dangerous storm over a prolonged period of 
time, the Director of Aquatics or his/her designee may close all or select pools for the remainder of the operating day.
• During a significant regional weather event (tropical storm, hurricane, snow), the operational 
status of pools may be determined by the Mayor.
• During moments of heavy rain and lifeguards are unable to see the bottom of their defined 
zone of protection, operations must be suspended until conditions improve.

“We take the safety of the residents of DC and their guests very seriously, not just at our Aquatic Facilities, but at all DPR locations,” said DPR Acting Director Keith A. Anderson.  “We are pleased that the Telvent Weather Monitoring System raises the bar for safety at our indoor and outdoor pools,” said DPR Aquatics Director Tyrell Lashley.

For a full schedule of DPR Aquatics activities, visit http://dpr.dc.gov/service/aquatics-division
 

About DPR

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) provides quality urban recreation and leisure services for residents and visitors to the District of Columbia. DPR supervises and maintains area parks, community facilities, swimming pools and spray parks, and neighborhood recreation centers. The agency also coordinates a wide variety of recreation and educational programs including sports leagues, youth development, therapeutic recreation, aquatic programming, outdoor adventure, camping and senior citizen activities. Adaptive programs and facilities are available for persons with disabilities.