What is the purpose of creating an Extreme Heat Alert?

The purpose of creating an Extreme Heat Alert primarily revolves around enhancing the safety and well-being of both staff and patrons. Extending staff shifts during extreme heat conditions allows for better management of the facility and ensures that there are enough trained personnel to monitor conditions, provide oversight, and respond to emergencies. This proactive approach helps maintain a safe environment by ensuring that there are sufficient staff members available to monitor patrons for signs of heat-related illnesses and to implement safety protocols as needed.

While other options may seem like they could address heat-related concerns, they do not prioritize the overall management of conditions and safety in the same way. For example, canceling all aquatic programs may limit access to cooling facilities, increasing risks for individuals without other ways to cool down. Similarly, opening pools earlier could help some, but it doesn't directly address the need for adequate staffing levels under extreme conditions. Increasing breaks for staff is beneficial for worker welfare, but it doesn't capture the broader objective of managing risks associated with extreme heat effectively.