SWIMMING POOL - POWER OUTAGE

If the swimming pool is NOT a school facility, then prior to the start of the season - become familiar with the facility emergency procedures.

The coach should:

  1. remain calm
  2. have athletes get out of the pool
  3. tell them to relax, remain calm and quiet
  4. account for all the athletes
  5. wait for the power to return
  6. if not present, contact the athletic director
  7. follow school protocol for releasing athletes

The athletic director / event manager should:

  1. remain calm
  2. assess the situation
  3. if dark in the facility, use a bull horn to make announcement #1 and #2 shown below
  4. contact maintenance staff
  5. contact local utility company
  6. communicate with officials, teams and coaches

IF the contest must be cancelled and we still have some LIGHT…

  1. make announcement #3 shown below
  2. follow school protocol for releasing athletes
  3. contact the AD from the opposing school to inform of the situation and reschedule the contest
  4. follow school protocol regarding media contact

IF the contest must be cancelled and we are in the DARK…

  1. make announcement #4 shown below
  2. organize contest workers to assist in the evacuation of the facility (key areas to have someone stationed are aisles, pool deck, bleachers, stairways, parking lots, etc…)
  3. follow school protocol for releasing athletes
  4. contact the AD from the opposing school to inform of the situation and reschedule the contest
  5. follow school protocol regarding media contact

PA Script

#1 Attention all swimmers - Please get out of the pool. Exit the pool at the nearest possible location.

#2 Ladies and gentlemen - Due to the power outage that just occurred, we must temporarily suspend the contest. For your safety and the safety of others, we ask you to remain seated (or be seated), calm and quiet while we attend to this matter. Further information will be provided at a later time.

#3 Ladies and gentlemen - We are unable to restore power and the event has been cancelled. Information regarding the rescheduling of this contest will be available from you school athletic office.

#4 We are unable to restore power and the event has been cancelled. Information regarding the rescheduling of this contest will be available from you school athletic office. (If the facility is dark) Please remain calm and quiet while we work toward a safe exit for all participants and spectators. School personnel with flashlights will assist in helping you exit the facility. Please be patient. Thank you.