Resident urges Kasson City Park Board to allow U.S. Coast GuardADapproved life jackets at public pool

Emma Williams, a Kasson City resident, told the Park Board she wants the aquatic center'9s life-jacket policy changed so parents and inexperienced swimmers can use U.S. Coast GuardADapproved life jackets during open-swim hours.

"My concern as a parent ... is the inconsistency of it," Williams said, urging the board to allow life jackets at all pool hours while requiring Coast GuardADapproved devices and better staff support. She cited national drowning statistics and recommended following Red Cross guidance on young children.

Park staff and board members raised concerns about enforcement and device fit. A staff representative said the pool currently allows life jackets during evening swims and Sunday family time, requires Coast Guard approval, and permits exceptions for children with medical needs. Staff also corrected an earlier claim about training length, saying lifeguards receive multi-day, in-person instruction rather than a single one-day course.

Board members noted that nearby pools follow different approaches: some allow life jackets with an adult within arm'9s reach (Dodge Center), while others keep more restrictive rules (Stewartville). Members said poor device fit, false confidence, and the practical limits of teen lifeguards on busy days factored into past board decisions.

Rather than change policy immediately, the board asked staff to review Williams'9 materials and Red Cross guidance, compile regional comparisons and a summary of when life jackets are currently allowed, and return the item at the next Park Board meeting for formal consideration. "We'll be able to discuss it, find out what's going on and probably maybe next park board meeting ... come up with a decision," the Chair said.

The discussion closed as a follow-up assignment; no policy change was adopted at the June 16 meeting.