Council authorizes $8,343 sponsorship to keep Tahoe Bluefin swim program running, directs broader nonprofit policy review

John Stark, South Lake Tahoe irector of Parks & Recreation, told the council that the Tahoe Bluefin Swim Club faces financial strain with the opening of the new recreation and aquatic center because prior discounts and city-covered lifeguard support were not memorialized in the fee schedule. Staff recommended a six-month sponsorship to fund one lifeguard and increase the club iscount to 55% for pool rentals, at an estimated city cost of $8,343.

Coach Jeffrey Edmonds and several parents and youth testified in support, saying the club provides basic swim skill development, promotes aquatic safety and supports youth development. Parents asked the council to restore the 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. practice slot and a written long-term agreement, arguing late practice times and higher fees threaten team viability and access for low-income families.

Council members questioned the lifeguard-to-swimmer staffing rationale (staff said the city uses a 20-to-1 ratio versus the American Red Cross benchmark of 25-to-1) and how lifeguard charges are billed for rentals; staff explained the city separates lifeguard staffing fees from facility rent as common practice for rentals.

After public comment and council discussion, Councilmember Jenkins moved and the council approved a resolution authorizing general-fund support totaling $8,343 for a six-month sponsorship (covering staffing and the 55% discount) and directed staff to work with the Parks & Recreation Commission to develop a broader, uniform policy on nonprofit discounts and scheduling. The council emphasized a preference for a policy that would prevent repeated one-off council approvals and asked for recommendations in time to address school-year scheduling needs.

The sponsorship bridges the club to provide immediate support while the commission and staff draft a policy intended to equitably apply to local nonprofits using the rec center.