February 28, 2025: Okana debut, BC waterslide slide report & lots of new projects
Good Morning,
People were eating their Wheaties and getting a lot done at work this week. Buckle up, poolies, it's a big newsletter with a real mix of new projects, health & safety, lifeguard lessons, legal, a facility debut and the vlog from a conference I recently attended.
Teen who drowned at Winnipeg pool 'paid with his life' for changes at city facilities, family says
New information has come out indicating 1) the responding lifeguard did not use a radio to signal a major emergency; 2) the emergency alarm/button did not work; and 3) lifeguards were uncertain about AED use on a 14 year-old child vs adults.
Las Vegas judge sides with gym over health district’s lifeguard rules
We've been following the Las Vegas Athletic Club (LVAC) debacle for the last year. The most recent development? This week, a judge said the health department cannot require the gym to employ lifeguards. More shockingly, as I said on Facebook, a statement by the attorney that "the club has never had a drowning death in the 46 year history of the company" does not, in my opinion, justify a mulligan in regard to the woman who did die. The CCTV footage (CONTENT WARNING) available online show her struggling for an extended period of time. There has also been reports of at least one other major drowning incident.
Edmonton city council approves rezoning application for nordic spa development
Every week another Nordic spa, right? But in all seriousness: this project has been under development for 5-7 years. Scandinave Spa has locations in Quebec, Ontario & BC (I've been to their Collingwood/Blue Mountain location) and is a competitor of Therme Group, building the contentious project at Ontario Place in Toronto. If you're keeping tracking, similar projects are under construction in Lake Louise & Canmore, Alberta.
Technical Safety BC shares clear calls to action for waterpark industry to increase safety
After multiple riders were injured on the same day on the same waterslide, the safety standards agency in British Columbia issued their incident investigation this week. Sources are available here. We covered the lawsuit last fall. I don't like to link to Reddit, but there are photos and witness reports available. Click here for an easy-to-understand article with photos to reshare with your boss to get support and resources for implementing new inspection protocols.
Cranbrook piloting changes to Aquatic Centre
"As of March 31, 2025, the Aquatic Centre will be open at 8:00 a.m. and closed from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays as part of the pilot program." When I worked in Lac La Biche, we did split shifts like this because we simply did not have the aquatic staff or afternoon demand for pool space (outside of school lessons a few times a year). Council, in turn, expected these closures to save money, and that was absolutely not the case. It simply allowed us to focus efforts where there was more documented usage during evenings & weekends.
Vancouver Parks Board & Aquatics
Honestly, I could write a whole newsletter on everything that happened in Vancouver, BC this week. After years of work, Vancouver was going to move forward with a 25m people pool project (report available here). Residents protested at the Monday night meeting and there was a petition. Then the board did a 180° and now supports a 50m pool. Meanwhile Watchdog finds Vancouver ABC park commissioners flouted policy with secret meetings. Stay tuned for more, I'm sure.
Estevan accepts tender for new pool coming to Hillside Park
I don't intend any disrespect, but I will be AMAZED to see what you can get for $504,148.91 CAD in this economy. And this is not just a liner replacement: "The project will be composed of the design, supply and construction of a community swimming pool."
1st step taken for Bradley water park
I know we're already sick of talking about trade tariffs, but it's going to have a HUGE impact on pool construction. This project is paying $10.5m to take delivery of glass & aluminum for the entire project in the next two weeks to avoid a potential 25% increase after March 12, 2025.
Wynyard surveying residents for vision of new aquatic facility
I love to see a municipality working towards replacing an aging facility well before it reaches critical collapse.
Okana Resort & Indoor Waterpark
The $100m project in Oklahoma City soft opened this week. Alex Ojeda has great content about it on Instagram and TikTok. And yes, when you meet Alex in person, he is TALL... almost 6'6". That's why Brian, the water park manager, looks so short!
I first heard about this project at WWA Show in October. What I find uniquely interesting compared to other water parks is an emphasis on luxury (all hotel rooms are 'suites' plus premium food & beverage offerings) and the water park design did not follow the typical philosophy of having amenities for all ages, heights, thrill levels, etc. The entire property is focused on older youth & adult entertainment. Although partnered with local indigenous tribes, there is no gaming.
Police charge male with child sexual assault and believe there may be additional victims
If you operate a pool in Southern Alberta, Lethbridge Police are looking for other potential victims related to an assault that occurred at Stan Siwik swimming pool.
Family of girl who was punched in the face at Naenae's new pool say staff intervened 'too late'
We've all had (young) lifeguards who don't want to proactively intervene in public relations, but what could happen if we don't address the issue in our next inservice or staff training? "Last week another pool patron had also told RNZ the lifeguards... appeared very young and didn't appear to have the confidence to approach intimidating situations."
Instagram reminded me that two years ago I was visiting the beautiful Baha Bay Waterpark at Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas. In my opinion, it is far superior to it's more-famous local competitor, Atlantis (apparently I saw too many television commercials as a child!)
Thank so much for being here, I will catch you from Oslo next week!
Katie Crysdale
Lakeview Aquatic Consultants Ltd.