Our goal is to make sure every community member has a safe and rewarding aquatic experience. The North Fork Pool, Park and Recreation District is focused on the safety of community members when swimming at the North Fork Pool (NFP). If there is inclement weather, pool personnel will use the following procedures to determine if a pool should have a late opening, temporarily close, have reduced amenities, or be closed for the day.  Decisions for these actions are made solely at the discretion of pool personnel and the on-duty Aquatics Supervisor.

This policy is in effect until 1 hour prior to scheduled closing time. If patrons remain at the pool and we are unable to reopen after 45 minutes, NFP personnel will offer patrons without season passes, a day good for entry to the pool for another day.

THUNDER AND/OR LIGHTNING

NFP personnel use the WeatherBug app, as recommended by American Red Cross, to track nearby lightning strikes.

When thunder or lightning is first detected, all pool activities will be suspended.

The pool must remain cleared for 30 minutes after the most recent lightning strike within ten (10) miles of the pool. The entire pool area will be cleared, and patrons will not be allowed near water pipes (showers), gas lines, electric wiring and telephone wiring. (Swimming pools are connected to a much larger surface area via underground). Lightning strikes on the ground anywhere on this metallic network may include shocks elsewhere.

If it is not feasible to reopen the swimming area(s) after 45 minutes, the pool will close. The Aquatics Supervisor will determine if the pool can be re-opened later that day. Decisions for these actions are made solely at the discretion of pool personnel and the on-duty Aquatics Supervisor.

WIND

Wind can cause safety hazards.

If wind is observably strong or gusty and the main drains in the deep area of the pool cannot be seen when viewed from the pool deck, the on-duty Aquatics Supervisor will close the swimming area(s). If it is not feasible to reopen the swimming area(s) after 45 minutes, the pool will close. The Aquatics Supervisor will determine if the pool can be re-opened later that day. Decisions for these actions are made solely at the discretion of pool personnel and the on-duty Aquatics Supervisor.

If the wind is gusty, but does not warrant closing the swimming area(s), the Lifeguards may ask patrons to exit the pool while they secure umbrellas, chairs and other items in the pool or adjacent park area.

RAIN

Heavy rain can make it difficult to see the bottom of a pool or beneath the surface. The on-duty Aquatics Supervisor will close the swimming area(s) when the main drains in the deep area of the pool cannot be seen when viewed from the pool deck. 

If it is not feasible to reopen the swimming area(s) after 45 minutes, the pool will close. The Aquatics Supervisor will determine if the pool can be re-opened later that day. Decisions for these actions are made solely at the discretion of pool personnel and the on-duty Aquatics Supervisor.

POOL TEMPERATURE

NFP will close if the water temperature drops below the CO state code limit of 77°.

AIR TEMPERATURE

NFP will open for lap swim when the air temperature is forecasted to reach 50° by opening. If the air temperature is not 50° at opening, the on-duty Aquatics Supervisor will reevaluate the forecast to determine if a late opening is possible. If the air temperature is expected to fall and remain below 50°, the pool may close early.

SWIM LESSON CANCELLATIONS

Swim lessons will be canceled if the temperature is not forecasted to reach 65° by the start of the class. We will evaluate the forecast, but we may alter which lessons are possible factoring in all weather conditions. Lessons that are scheduled to start after hourly temperature predictions reach 65° will start as scheduled.