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Commission adopts new swim‑center air‑quality policy allowing limited use except in hazardous conditions
Summary
The commission approved a standardized protocol for swim‑center operations keyed to air‑quality levels, allowing general lap swim in many unhealthy conditions but reserving closure only for very unhealthy or hazardous situations (visible ash/particles).
Staff proposed a standardized air‑quality policy for the swim center to clarify when programming should be modified or the facility closed. The policy aligns staff procedures to threshold categories, permits continued limited use (such as lap swim) when air quality is unhealthy, and stipulates full closure for 'very unhealthy' or hazardous conditions such as visible ash or smoke.
During discussion staff explained the prior approach used South Coast Air Quality Management District thresholds and closed the swim center at AQI above 150, which created inconsistent treatment compared with other facilities. The new policy places signage and modifies programming rather than automatic closure at intermediate levels while reserving closure for high‑risk conditions.
"We will put signage up saying the air quality is unhealthy. We may modify our programs, but general day to day use of the facility for use of the swim lanes for just general lap swim can still be utilized," staff told commissioners. The commission voted to approve the policy by roll call.
