Pool managers prepare for swim season

When the Ritzville Water Park opened on June 12, pool managers Cory Whitmore and Courtney Flynn were ready and excited for business. With a half-day at the Ritzville schools that day, the pool immediately filled with children eager for the beginning of summer.

Joining the two pool managers are 12 lifeguards, five who are returning and seven new lifeguards who received their certification this year. During a work shift at the pool, there are typically five lifeguards and one manager on duty.

Flynn is returning as manager for her second year while this is Whitmore’s first year in the role. Whitmore is a former lifeguard of the water park and is enthusiastic about the opportunity to work at the pool again.

“I’m excited to be working with the public,” explained Whitmore. “We’re lucky to have a water park of this size in our community. Our goal is to keep it family orientated and welcoming.”

Flynn shares Whitmore’s interests and is looking forward to returning to the job on her summer break from college.

“I enjoy it more than any other jobs, it’s a good atmosphere,” Flynn said, and Whitmore nodded in agreement. “I like working in the community and with the kids.”

Both Flynn and Whitmore are 2009 graduates from Ritzville High School and they have known each other since the second grade. Flynn is currently attending Eastern Washington University where she is working towards earning a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and then earning her master’s degree in dietetics. Whitmore attends Washington State University and is majoring in English education and eventually hopes to work as a high school English teacher.

Since the two attend different schools, their summer break is slightly different. Whitmore has been out of school for the summer for a couple of weeks and has been preparing the pool for opening. Flynn only recently began her summer break and is going to be in charge of closing the pool because Whitmore returns to college before her.

In preparation for a safe and successful swim season, the two managers are putting a large emphasis on the child supervision policy that has been implemented at the park. The policy states that children age seven or under need to be supervised by someone over the age of 14 who is either in the pool with the child or nearby.

“We’re trying to provide a happy, fun environment, and that includes safety,” explained Whitmore.

Flynn and Whitmore said that they are hoping to expand services available at the pool this year by allowing patrons to schedule special events at the park. The pool is open from noon until 8 p.m. and special events would be scheduled based on availability from 7-9 p.m.

Along with patrons scheduling these events, the staff is looking into hosting a “teen night” when local teenagers would have access to the pool and time to spend with their same age group.

Swim classes are also available at the pool on June 25-29 and then again in mid-July. The level one and two sessions begin at 9 a.m., levels two and three are at 10 a.m., and the four through six levels begin at 11 a.m. The swim classes cost $25 a class per person.

This year, there is not an adult-only swim time scheduled but one or two lanes are going to be closed off for lap swimmers at 5 p.m. every evening.

The managers rotate shifts throughout the week and typically work about nine hours a shift. Both Whitmore and Flynn expressed how much they enjoyed working a full-time job with a flexible schedule that allows them to be able to sleep in and have free time after work.

Flynn and Whitmore discussed how lucky they believe the water park is to be able to provide swim classes, water aerobic exercises at noon every day, and to provide open swim to the community. They also expressed their gratitude for having a local, Donna Bittick, who is qualified to train and certify lifeguards, as well as teach CPR classes to the pool staff.

“We have a really good crew this year. We like the group of guards: they’re hardworking, punctual and diligent,” said Whitmore.

Lifeguards have to be 16-years-old to be certified and the managers must make sure all of the lifeguards receive their 15 minute break and stay well-hydrated. The managers are also in charge of the linguistics of the operation as well as monitoring the pool on a regular basis.

“The other thing Courtney and I want to do is keep the facility nice,” said Whitmore. “It’s more than just for the park, it’s a reflection of us too.”

Passes for this year’s swimming season cost $175 for a family pass, which allows five members on the pass and $25 for each additional person. Cost for an individual pass is $50, a summer pass for seniors cost $45 and kids under the age of three can swim free.

For more information about the Ritzville Water Park or to schedule a special event, contact Flynn or Whitmore at the pool office at 659-1003.