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Madison outlines pool hours, lightning policy and lifeguard plans ahead of Memorial Day opening
Summary
Parks staff set Crystal Beach pool hours for the season, described a lightning-closure policy and outlined lifeguard training, a junior lifeguard program and a pool-pass initiative run with the Bethany Legacy Foundation.
Madison parks staff told the Park Board they plan to open Crystal Beach pool for Memorial Day weekend and described the department’s safety and staffing plans for the summer swim season.
Whitney, the parks recreation lead, said the pool is scheduled to open Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day) with open-swim hours set 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily from May 26 through Aug. 3. She said the schedule will change beginning Aug. 4 to prioritize water fitness and family swim as school resumes; the final open-swim day will be Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1, with hours 12 to 6 p.m. and a “dog day” event scheduled for Sept. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m.
On safety policy, Whitney said the department’s lightning policy requires clearing the pool when lightning is detected within the department’s set radius and that staff use a detection device to alert guards; she stated a 30-minute re‑entry wait after the last lightning detection. The board also discussed a regional lightning-detection network on the golf course during public comment; Roger said the golf operation blows a horn and clears play when a networked detector indicates lightning in the area.
Whitney provided staffing details: lifeguard rehires and new hires will cover Memorial Day and training for lifeguards is scheduled May 30–June 1 (including new-hire lifeguard training). She said the department is introducing a junior lifeguard program for ages 11–14 (a camp-style program to develop future lifeguards; participants are not certified during the program) and will continue the Bethany Legacy Foundation pool-pass initiative for 2025, with applications handled through the online registration system.
Whitney said the department adjusted open-swim hours to concentrate staffing during peak usage to manage personnel costs while maintaining safety. She advised patrons to monitor the Madison Parks Recreation Facebook page for weather and closure updates. No formal policy change or board vote occurred; staff said operational details will be enacted administratively.
