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Loomis cancels summer swim program after lifeguard staffing shortfall; community volunteer offers help
Summary
Town officials canceled the Loomis summer swim program because staffing fell below the safety requirement of three lifeguards plus a supervisor; a local swim coach offered a certified team and private-lesson plan to reopen portions of the program.
Town Manager Carl Simpson told the council on June 10 that the town will cancel its summer swim program for safety reasons after several full‑time lifeguards stepped away and the program lacked the required supervision.
Staff explained the town requires three lifeguards on deck plus a supervisor to safely run the program because of pool size and participant numbers. Council and staff said only two people were available to work under the planned staffing model. Simpson said staff had discussed alternative options with the water‑polo coach and would explore limited Friday hours if certified lifeguards become available.
During public comment, Katherine Holt — who identified herself as an experienced swimming‑program manager and coach — said she has six certified staff ready to offer private lessons and family-night programming and offered to meet with staff to explore stepping in to help. Councilmembers asked staff to follow up with Holt and to check leads from Councilmember Young Bloodood, who said she had identified three potential certified lifeguards.
Officials said their priority was child safety and that offering a program that does not meet staffing and supervision standards would be irresponsible. Staff will follow up with interested volunteers and report back on whether limited coverage or alternative arrangements are feasible.
