The Sam Ketcham Pool remains closed and its gas chlorine system deactivated in response to preliminary investigation recommendations.
The results of a preliminary investigation into the cause of the Feb. 26 chlorine incident at Sam Ketcham Pool that were released March 2 identified the cause to be a malfunctioning vacuum regulator in the pool’s gas chlorine sanitizing system.
The preliminary investigation was undertaken by a joint Union/Management investigation team due to the occupational health and safety aspects of the incident with the primary purpose of identifying the cause and ensuring necessary steps were taken to prevent a similar occurrence.
The faulty vacuum regulator has been secured and will be examined by an independent mechanical engineer to verify the cause of the malfunction.
Due to the large number of public who were directly affected, further investigation of the event by an independent body will take place which will examine contributory causes, evacuation procedures and emergency response.
“The City recognizes the emotional impact this event has had on those who were in attendance including the swimmers, parents and staff," says Mayor Kerry Cook. "Arrangements are being made for counselling services for not only the local swimmers and parents, but those from other communities who were taking part in the swim meet. Counselling services have also been made available to staff who were directly or indirectly involved in the incident.”
Cook says she is personally talking to individuals involved, checking up on their health, and listening to accounts of what happened.
“This has definitely been a learning experience,” she says.
A mechanical engineering firm has been retained by the city and it began its assessment of the pool’s sanitizing system Monday.
The firm will provide recommendations for both short-term and long-term options for sanitizing the pool water, which do not involve gas chlorine.
Although the City cannot confirm at this time when the pools may reopen, initial reports from the mechanical engineering firm are encouraging, the city says.
A number of steps will be required including approval of the proposed system by Interior Health and budget approval by the Cariboo Regional District before a new system can be commissioned. The city says every effort will be made to have a new system operational as soon as possible so that the public can enjoy the pool facility with confidence.
The fitness centre and all fitness classes, except aqua-fit continue in spite of the pool closure. For more information please contact 250-398-POOL.