Deaths prompt changes to city pools
Man and a boy died in two separate drownings in July
The deaths of two people in city pools last summer has prompted the city of Edmonton to improve signs and safety procedures.
A man died 12 days after he was found submerged in Queen Elizabeth Outdoor Pool on July 7. On July 31, a seven-year-old boy drowned at the O'Leary Fitness and Leisure Centre.
The two cases — the first deaths by drowning in a city pool in 22 years — were independently reviewed by the Lifesaving Society.
The report found that in both cases the city had enough lifeguards on duty and complied with all water safety standards.
However, the city is still making improvements to prevent future deaths, said Linda Cochrane, general manager of community services.
"Patrons will notice some new signage, some new rules and some new ways of doing things," Cochrane said. "For example we'll start to practice clearing the pool and other safety drills more often."
The new signs will be in place by the end of the year. The city will also look at installing new surveillance and warning systems to help alert lifeguards.