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Chlorine exposure at city aquatic facility sends 8 to hospital; mayor urges precautions
Summary
Mayor Boeckley told the council that an air bubble released during routine backflow procedures at the city aquatic facility led to a chlorine exposure; 12 people were evaluated, 8 were taken to Columbus Community Hospital and 4 refused transport. The facility has reopened and officials advised immediate precautions for exposure.
Mayor Boeckley reported at the June 1 Columbus City Council meeting that emergency crews responded to a chlorine exposure at the city’s aquatic facility earlier that afternoon.
"At approximately 02:55PM, the Columbus Fire Department was dispatched to a drowning incident at Fawnee Plunge," the mayor said, adding that responding units were later advised the incident was a chlorine exposure. He told the council that initial responders found multiple patients exposed to chlorine gas and that "in total, 12 patients were seen by emergency response personnel, 8 patients were transported to Columbus Community Hospital, and 4 refused transport by EMS." The mayor attributed the exposure to backflow procedures used to clear filters, saying an air bubble containing chlorine was released, which staff described as atypical.
The mayor relayed guidance for people with minor to moderate exposure: move to fresh air, loosen tight clothing, remove contaminated clothing and shower, and seek medical attention for breathing difficulties, persistent coughing or chest tightness. He also said Columbus Fire Chief Ryan Gray praised the response of plunge staff and emergency responders, saying, "Everyone did exactly what they needed to do in this situation." The mayor added that the facility was temporarily shut down during the response and that staff have since told officials the systems are operating normally and the facility has reopened.
The announcement on the council floor used two different names for the facility (the mayor referred to "Fawnee Plunge" and later "Bonnie Plunge"); the council statement did not resolve that inconsistency. The mayor’s remarks did not identify any pending regulatory action; he framed the update as an informational public-safety announcement and described the immediate medical guidance and the city’s coordination with mutual-aid ambulances.
Next steps: the city urged anyone with symptoms consistent with chlorine exposure to seek care and said it will continue to monitor any follow-up from emergency responders and facility staff.
