Friday, November 1, 2024

Open letter to the YMCA

 To whom it may concern,


I went to the Chester YMCA pool with my two children tonight (1 Nov) at 1800 (6pm). My kids are 6 and 9 years old. Upon arrival at the pool, we were greeted by a lifeguard to go over a quick rundown of swim tests for the kids and to let us know that we could not bring a pool noodle into the pool. My youngest got upset and started to cry. I let the lifeguard know that he is autistic, and I'll handle him, and it was not her fault. The initial conversation was fine as we are new and do not know the lay of the land per say. 

What proceeded to happen was completely and utterly unacceptable. We got in the water, and I say we were because I was next to them. My kids were talked to multiple times over small actions. The actions included jumping in the pool too far into the water then too close to the wall, swimming underneath the ladder to reach the jet (while one was in the middle of the ladder) Both lifeguards failed to articulate the specific rule that they were supposably "breaking".  I could not determine from their explanation how the kids could jump into the pool. The attitude shown by both lifeguards was progressively worse and showed borderline anger towards me and the kids. The pool had a handle full of kids and none of the other kids were talked to by the lifeguards even though at least one other kid was jumping in the water.  Since at least one of the lifeguards knew about one of my kids being autistic I felt they were unfairly being targeted because of their disabilities. At one point another kid took my kids toy and the lifeguards said nothing. That act further shows the difference in treatment. At one point my youngest looked down at the water at his reflection, and again the lifeguards talked to him citing "safety" Keep in mind that I was in the water with both kids at all times. 

I checked the rules and read where lifeguards can enforce safety precautions. That is an ambiguous statement that a young teenage lifeguard can abuse and exploit at their whim. As a middle-aged man in the military who is well versed in safety in life and death situations their actions were over the top. Additionally, what certifications/training would a lifeguard have in handling special needs kids?

The tipping point came when we were drying off. I gave the kids towels and was returning a toy that we had borrowed. I was walking towards the box where the toys were kept, and the lifeguard abandoned her station (kids were in the water by the way) to take the toy. Her behavior was a slap in the face in terms of not believing that I would return a cheap water toy that I have the capability to buy on my own.

Actions by both lifeguards on duty has me seriously questioning our membership. The sole reason we became members of the YMCA was to enjoy the indoor pool during the fall and winter months. We can't enjoy the pool if the lifeguards are going to exploit and bend the rules to target kids with special needs. 

If you would like to have a face-to-face conversation about tonight, then please feel free to contact me.