What is the purpose of creating an Extreme Heat Alert?

The primary purpose of creating an Extreme Heat Alert is to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and participants during periods of high temperatures. By extending staff shifts during such alerts, management is allowing for better supervision and care in potentially hazardous conditions. This can help ensure that staff members can effectively manage aquatic programs while also being mindful of their own health and safety concerns in extreme heat situations.

Increasing breaks for staff is essential because it allows them to hydrate and recover from the heat, but simply extending shifts does not account for the needs of the staff. Opening pools earlier in the day can provide a cooler environment for swimming, but this does not directly address staff management during extreme heat. Canceling all aquatic programs would eliminate opportunities for recreation, which is contrary to the purpose of supporting community engagement and safety. Thus, extending shifts aligns with ensuring that operations can persist safely while prioritizing the health of both staff and patrons.