AF swimming pools more family friendly in 2005

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Mark Haviland
  • Air Combat Command Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. --  Parents of children 10 and younger -- and their teenage baby sitters -- should find on-base pools more accessible this summer thanks to a policy waiver announced this week by the command’s Services Directorate.

The change in policy allows teenagers who are 16 years old or older to supervise children under 10 in base swimming pools, said Carole Barton, ACC Services marketing director.

Prior to this change, children had to be supervised by someone who was at least 18 years old.

“There are some conditions to the waiver,” said Ms. Barton, “but we expect families with younger children will be thrilled with the change.”

The conditions of the waiver are:

-- The individual supervising the children may not be younger than 16 years of age

-- The individual may not supervise more than three children and only two can be under the age of 6

-- The individual must have completed the American Red Cross Babysitting Training Course and have the certificate on file at the local pool

-- The individual must have written authorization from parents of the children to seek medical care for them if necessary, and must have a contact phone number for the parents

The waiver process began when Brig. Gen. Eric Rosborg, the former commander of the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C., noted that Air Force policy allowed 16 year olds to work as lifeguards at base pools, but that those same people did not meet the direct supervision requirements simply because they were not 18 years of age.

“If an individual is old enough to work as a certified lifeguard,” the general wrote in the waiver request, “he or she should be permitted to accompany children under the age of 10 and should be able to safely provide the direct supervision that is required.”

Mr. Arthur Myers, Air Force Services director, approved the waiver in January.