Authority: Head Coach, Doug Garcia
Document Administrator: Secretary, Angi Smith
Issue Date: May 1, 2018
Next Revision Date: May 1, 2020

1.0 — Purpose/ Scope

The purpose of the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is to have written documentation of the responsibilities and actions to be taken by individuals in the event of an emergency just before, during or just after the Loveland Masters Swim Club (LMSC) practice.  This plan does not replace the Emergency Action Plan of the Mountain View Aquatic Center (MVAC) rather serves to support or elaborate more specifically on the roles and responsibilities of the head coach of the LMSC as well as swim team members and swim team guests.

The LMSC Emergency Action Plan covers all swimmers attending practices – whether paying members, guests of members, USMS visiting swimmers or drop in guests e.g. college aged children of members. The EAP may also be implemented should an incident occur at a LMSC sponsored event such as a coaches clinic, open water swim clinic or USMS sanctioned swim meet.

The head coach of the LMSC is responsible for ensuring all members are aware of the EAP as well as how to access the document on the website (under Governance).  With all major revisions,  the head coach is responsible for communicating the key changes to the membership in the monthly newsletter as well as verbally at the start of practice.

1.1 — Activation
EAPs are normally activated by a signal.  Whistle signals are used to get an individual’s attention and often need to be followed up with some sort of verbal direction or hand signal.

The LMSC primary EAP activation signal is ONE LONG WHISTLE BLAST.  When this is heard, all swimmers should swim to the nearest wall and wait for further instructions.  The message must be clear, simple and easy to understand by all swim team attendees.  This is critical in an emergency so that the emergency action plan can be activated as quickly as possible.
Should an active swimmer be the first to identify another swimmer in distress, s/he should holler, wave an arm – anything to get the attention of the life guard on duty and/or the head coach.

2.0 — Key Responsibilities

2.1 — Life Guard, MVAC

  • Become familiar with the LMSC Emergency Action Plan;
  • Initiate the MVAC EAP should there be a triggering incident;
  • Responsible for clearing the pool, assessing if swimmers should be moved into locker rooms etc. during incident when applicable;
  • Responsible for responding to any on deck or any in-water emergencies;
  • Don all required safety equipment to include a rescue buoy and whistle while on duty during each LMSC practice;
  • Abstain from using any electronic devices or other distraction devices during USMS swim practice hours;
  • Inspect equipment and supplies used during any emergency and ensure all items are replaced.  Ensure all equipment used remains in good working order and put back in place.

NOTE:  Should the lifeguard enter the water or step away from guarding duties to address an incident under this EAP, the head coach may activate the EAP with one long whistle blow to temporarily stop the practice session, and have all swimmers come to the side of the pool to hear further instructions.  The specific situation will dictate the necessity of clearing the pool.

2.2 — Head Coach, LMSC or designee (includes substitute coaches)

  • Responsible for assessing a situation* and implementing the LMSC Emergency Action Plan to ensure the safety of all swimmers attending practices, the support and commitment to its purpose as a significant part of the overall health and safety of swimmers;
  • Briefly discuss the EAP with each guest of the LMSC (e.g. one long whistle blow, summary of EAP in new swimmer packets);
  • Ensure all USMS LMSC members have been advised on their voluntary responsibilities of this EAP (EAP posted on website under heading Governance and included once per year in newsletter);
  • During a medical related incident in which 911 has been called, assign a swimmer to meet EMS personnel, if applicable, in parking lot and escort them to the pool or locker room area;
  • Assign swimmer to assist with ‘crowd control’, if applicable;
  • Be aware of signs of distressed swimmers and do not hesitate to question a swimmer to ensure swimmers are feeling well enough to attend practice;
  • Ensure the EAP is reviewed and revised every two years, and changes are communicated to the MVAC Aquatic Director and swim team membership via the monthly newsletter as well as verbally at the start of practice;
  • Ensure all injuries and incidents are documented by assisting the Lifeguard and/or emergency response personnel with any incident reports, police/fire or other professional interviews, if needed;
  • Contact USMS swimmer’s emergency contact, if known;
  • Should there be any media/press coverage of an incident, do not talk to anyone regarding the incident.  Respond by saying “Please talk directly with the Aquatic Director of this facility.”
  • Debrief any incidents with members of the Board (and applicable swim team members), assess and evaluate lessons learned to prevent future incidents from occurring. Update the EAP where applicable.

There may be times when the head coach (or designee) is not be the first person to identify someone in trouble and a USMS swimmer might try to help, get too close to the swimmer in trouble and be grabbed, resulting in two people getting into a serious situation or possibly drowning. Prevention is the key to preventing this type of incident from occurring and can only be done if the master’s team has had a minimum training/discussion in what is expected in an emergency.

2.3 — Board Members, LMSC

  • Become familiar with the LMSC Emergency Action Plan and participate, when needed, in its implementation;
  • When applicable, ensure confidentiality of injured/ill individual by not discussing incident with fellow swimmers or others without a need to know;
  • Assist head coach with debriefing and lessons learned session;
  • Become familiar with location of rescue equipment such as backboards, AEDs, reaching assist tools, fire alarm and so forth should the lifeguard on duty request assistance during an emergency.

2.4 — Swimmers (LMSC), USMS swimming visitors and swimming guests

Swimmers are responsible for the first line of prevention in their health and well-being, and the prevention of drowning or near drowning incidents as well as other medical emergencies. Swimmers must:

  • Become familiar with the LMSC Emergency Action Plan;
  • Immediately report any significant pain or discomfort during practice to the head coach;
  • Assist primary rescuer by bringing any equipment that is needed for the response e.g. backboard, AED;
  • Promptly notify the head coach if returning to the pool following surgery or significant medical illness/injury such that modifications may be required during practice;
  • Do not attend swim practice if ill especially with possible contagious diseases to include but not limited to influenza or other viral outbreak;
  • Promptly notify the head coach and/or life guard should you observe a fellow swimmer in distress or notice any possible triggering event requiring EAP implementation;
  • If medically qualified and comfortable to do so, assist in responding to any medical emergencies until EMS arrives;
  • If directly involved in the implementation of the emergency response, do not leave the facility until the completion of all required incident reports.

3.0 — General Contact Information

3.1—Site Information

Aquatic Director:  Nicole Bird, 970.219.0982
Mountain View Aquatic Center
3560 Mountain Lion Drive
Loveland, CO  80537
970.613.7880 Pool
970.613.7800 Main Line, Mountain View High School

Should anyone need to implement any portion of the EAP, please adhere to the following:

  • Stay calm;
  • Follow procedures;
  • Do not provide emergency first aid beyond current certification/training;
  • Should an individual e.g “intruder” leave/not leave the facility based on the head coach and/or the lifeguard’s request, please call 911.
  • Do not give medical opinions or advice;
  • Complete all required Incident Report Forms (located in the Pool Office) thoroughly documenting the situation, actions taken, all observations and follow up;
  • Do not speak to the press or other public media.

3.2 — Emergency – 911

For any life threatening emergency, please dial 911 (preferably from land line in pool office) for emergency medical services, police or the fire department.  A sample conversation with the 911 dispatcher is as follows:

My name is ________________________.  I am calling from Mountain View Aquatic Center at Mountain View High School, Loveland. I am calling from (###) ###-####. The address is 3560 Mountain Lion Drive. We have an adult who is (conscious/unconscious) and is (breathing/not breathing).  Describe the incident and what care is being given.

The head coach will ensure someone is stationed in the parking lot to escort emergency medical services personnel into the pool area.

3.3 — Non-Emergency Contact Information

Poison Control:
American Association of Poison Control Centers, 800.222.1222, www.webpoisoncontrol.org
Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, 866.871.4980, www.rmpdc.org

The MVHS Aquatics Director is a Certified Pool Operator and should be contacted in the event of a chemical spill.

4.0 — Emergency Procedures, Standard Response Protocols

The LMSC head coach and all swim team members are advised to follow the protocols as provided by the Thompson School District Aquatics Program and endorsed by the Mountain View Aquatic Center Director. The life guard on duty will lead the emergency response and communicate the type of threat and appropriate response for the safety of all swimmers.

It is highly encouraged for all swimmers to follow aquatic staff directions in the event that emergency procedures are activated. Neither the lifeguard nor the head coach can require all swim team members to follow the directions being given.  If a swimmer chooses to leave the aquatic facility during an emergency procedure, they will be allowed to do so.

4.1 — “Lockdown” – threat is INSIDE the building

  • Lock all inside and outside doors;
  • Move all swimmers and/or facility guests to the storage room under the stairs.  Alternate secure locations would be the public restrooms in the pool lobby that can be locked from the inside.
  • Leave the lightsoffand remain quiet.
  • Remain in place until responders unlock our secured area.

4.2 — “Secure the Perimeter”– threat is OUTSIDE the building

  • Lock all exterior doors.
  • Swim team practice maycontinue as normal inside the pool area.
  • Remain in place until further notice.

4.3 — “Shelter in Place” – Severe weather or other environmental hazard

  • Move all swimmers and/or guests to the men’s locker room.  Alternate secure location would be the women’s locker room, the men’s or women’s public restrooms or the elevator storage room
  • Stay away from windows and doors.
  • Remain in place until further instructions are given.

 

4.4 — “Evacuate” – leave the building and go to Safe Place

The lifeguard and head coach will escort all swimmers and/or guests out the main entrance doors, across the parking lot to the sports field directly to the east of the pool (toward the church). If the primary meeting point is unsafe, the secondary meeting point for evacuation is outside the double doors on the south side of the pool.

Remain in place until further instructions are given.

Special Note:  There are 4 fire alarms within the pool area (located near the exterior doors) and 2 fire alarms in the lobby.  Additional fire alarms are found on the second floor lobby area outside of the balcony/bleacher area.  If the threat is a fire inside the building, and only if safe to do so, pull the fire alarm upon evacuating the building.

4.5 — Fecal/Vomit Incident in the Pool

Should fecal matter be found in the pool at any time, all swimmers must exit the pool and the pool may be closed by the aquatics staff.  The emergency switch to shut down the pool filters is located in the office of the Aquatic Director. Only the trained aquatic staff should further respond to the incident.  The head coach will verify with the aquatics staff the water chemistry is back to normal before any master swimmer returns to the water.

Vomit will follow the same procedures as solid fecal matter.

4.6 — Swimmers Under the Influence of Substance(s)

Any USMS swimmer who reports to practice, swimming meet or other USMS LMSC sponsored event under the influence of drugs or alcohol such that s/he is a danger to themselves or others, or if their behavior is inappropriate, offensive or threatening to others, will not be allowed to swim or participate in the event.  The head coach may secure the member a safe ride home, notify the member’s emergency contact, or call appropriate authorities if the situation warrants.

4.7 — Theft

  • LMSC is not responsible for lost or stolen items in vehicles, locker rooms or on the pool deck.  With any theft from a car in the parking lot, call the police (non-emergency number: 970 667-2151).
  • Theft from the MVAC locker rooms will be managed by the head coach and swimmer (victim) of the theft.  They will determine if the police need to be called.
  • Complete any required Incident report forms, as needed, to include the officer’s name and contact number if the police have been called.  Incident report forms are located in the pool office.

5.0 — Aquatic Emergencies

5.1 — Injuries in the water

  • The lifeguard on duty is the primary responder.  The lifeguard (or head coach) will blow their whistle with one long whistle blast to activate the MVHS EAP.  The head coach or designee may assist in evacuating the swimming pool if incident is in the water.  If directed by and under the guidance of the lifeguard, members of the swim team may assist by calling 911, bringing the lifeguard either the back board, first aid kit and/or the AED, or assisting in the removal of the injured person from the pool.
  • After the injured swimmer has been assessed and treated or transported by EMS personnel, the head coach and any swimmers who participated in the incident will remain until all Incident Reports have been completed by the MVHS aquatics staff.
  • At the discretion of the on-duty lifeguard and head coach (LMSC board members may also weigh in), the swim practice may be discontinued and the head coach will remind swimmers to maintain confidentiality with respect to the incident.
  • If the emergency results in a death, follow all instructions of the EMS personnel.  Prevent secondary victims by removing other swimmers/bystanders from the area.  Do not move the body.
  • The lifeguard on duty will ensure the MVHS Aquatics Director has been contacted.  Do not make any statements to the press or the public media.
  • If needed, the head coach will debrief with swim team members at the beginning of the next swim practice or distribute an email communication to membership.

5.2 — Injuries out of the water

  • The lifeguard on duty will blow their whistle with one long blast to activate the MVHS EAP.  The head coach or designee may seek assistance from the medically trained and certified USMS swim team members if present at the pool.  If directed by and under the guidance of the lifeguard, members of the swim team may assist by calling 911, bringing the lifeguard the back board, first aid kit and/or the AED.
  • After the injured swimmer has been assessed and treated or transported by EMS personnel, the head coach and any swimmers who participated in the incident will remain until all Incident Reports have been completed by the MVHS aquatics staff.
  • At the discretion of the on-duty lifeguard and head coach (LMSC board members may also weigh in), the swim practice may be discontinued and the head coach will remind swimmers to maintain confidentiality with respect to the incident.
  • If the emergency results in a death, follow all instructions of the EMS personnel.  Prevent secondary victims by removing bystanders from the area.  Do not move the body.
  • Ensure the MVHS Aquatics Director has been contacted.  Do not make any statements to the press or the public media.
  • If needed, the head coach will debrief with swim team members at the beginning of the next swim practice or distribute an email communication to the membership.

5.3 — Sudden illness, including seizures in the water

  • The initial responder may be a swimmer in the pool.  S/he should signal the lifeguard and/or head coach by the best means possible given the situation (e.g. hand wave, verbal shout or get the attention of a fellow swimmer).  If it is safe to do so, the initial responder should assist in getting the face of the victim out of the water as soon as possible.  The trained lifeguard will take over responsibility for evacuating the swimmer from the pool and assessing the level of consciousness, airway/breathing and pulse.
  • Depending on the results of the initial assessment, first aid and/or CPR will be administered.  Assume the swimmer may have breathed in water and therefore treat as medical emergency by calling 911.

6.0 — Documentation and Evaluation

6.1 – Record Keeping/Incident Reports

Incident Report Forms are located in the pool office.  Should there be a need to complete a MVHS incident report form, the lifeguard on duty will be responsible for providing the head coach with the forms and answer any questions regarding the required information.

6.2 — Program Evaluation

LMSC Board is responsible for reviewing this plan every 2 years, updating the procedure and communicating to the membership any significant changes. The EAP will also be reviewed following any major incident and debrief sessions.