The Splash!
Wrangell Parks & Recreation's Newsletter
Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience.
NESSIE NIGHTS
Dear Friends of Wrangell Parks & Recreation,
It's our pleasure to provide you with a brief update and refresher regarding the rules of our open swims with the inflatable device. As you may know, open swims with our inflatable device (Nessie) were limited in the age of COVID-19. Further, limitations on our ability to deploy Nessie were created during a period of staff shortages. We are on a road to greatness and with that comes more showings of our beloved inflatable “Nessie”. We appreciate our community’s patience with us as we work to rebuild our capacity.
To train our lifeguard staff on the operations of the inflatable we hosted a “Nessie Night” during our regularly scheduled staff meeting on April 26th, 2022. By hosting an open swim during our staff meeting, we were able to observe our staff in action, helping them to refine their knowledge and confidence operating the inflatable. It also helped us refresh the public on the rules associated with using the inflatable. Our staff had a positive experience, gained new skills and built upon existing ones.
Our goal is to return “Nessie Nights” on Friday evening from 6:30PM-8:00PM, alternating between the shallow end and deep end each week. It is important to note that the inflatable brings increased risk to open swims. When utilized properly the risks are well worth the reward for the user. Our staff have reviewed the rules, trained in a real time environment, and debriefed the training in a subsequent meeting. We are confident in their ability to manage users appropriately and ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for all.
We are asking users to become familiar with the rules and to be respectful of the lifeguards enforcing them. Our lifeguards play a critical role in the community being able to access the pool for fitness and recreation opportunities. Please show them your gratitude by reading over the rules and following them when you visit the facility with your friends and family.
1. Inflatables are not suitable for non-swimmers and weak swimmers.
2. Users must be 48” tall OR able to swim one width of the pool without touching the sides or bottom of the pool.
3. Patron may be tested as to their swimming ability before being allowed onto the inflatable.
4. Users are to form an orderly line. Lifeguards will determine the length of line with regards to safety.
5. Approach inflatable one user at a time. No more than four (4) users on the inflatable at one time.
6. DO NOT swim under the inflatable.
7. NO DIVING from the inflatable.
8. Users are not to behave in a reckless or careless manner and shall have no contact with any other user on the inflatable.
9. User must not run and launch themselves aggressively off the inflatable
10. Users can enter the water only if landing area is clear of previous user.
11. Any users falling or exiting the inflatable are to move away from the inflatable as quickly as possible.
12. Sharp or dangerous objects such as buckles, pens, keys, knives, etc. are prohibited on the inflatable. Spectacles are best removed.
13. Remove all jewelry.
14. Users must not use inflatable if it is not anchored securely.
Please note that we need four lifeguard staff to be able to deploy Nessie during open swims. We are striving to meet that standard each week, so that the community may continue enjoying a variety of activities at the swimming pool. If you are interested in becoming a lifeguard, please reach out to us.
Thank you for your continued support of Wrangell Parks & Recreation.
All the best,
Kate Thomas, Director
BOATING SAFETY CLASS
Wrangell is a fantastic little island community, surrounded by waterways, beaches, ponds, creeks and rivers. Water safety training, and basic skills development is an important part of living, working and playing on the water.
In that spirit, in collaboration with Wrangell's Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Evergreen Elementary School, the Alaska Office of Boating Safety hosted two BOATING SAFETY classes on April 21st. Students and community members were provided with basic water safety skills, including assisted rescues, cold water survival and floatation technique.
YOUTH DANCE CLASS
Instructor Victoria Houser, along with assistant Natalia Ashton, hosted a youth ballet class, in March & April.
The curriculum was built to encourage age-appropriate creativity, musicality, and physicality. Participants danced and had fun, while learning the foundations of ballet.
The season wrapped up with a bird-themed dance recital, showcasing the dance skills learned, along with the adorable outfits.
Thanks to Tory Houser and Natalia Ashton!
EVERGREEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SWIMMING LESSONS
Throughout the month of April, the crew at Wrangell Parks & Recreation facilitated swim lessons for the Evergreen Elementary School 2nd & 3rd grade class. Students learned basic water safety skills, practiced kick, stroke and rhythmic breathing technique. A great time was had by all.
Big HIGH-FIVES to Briana Schilling and Sarah Scambler, who both provided instruction, helping to create safe, efficient and effective lessons.
Much appreciation to EES teachers, Mrs. Clark and Ms. Davies for allowing our team to work with their students.
DOWNTOWN LITTER CLEAN-UP EFFORTS
A big THANK YOU to Mrs. Hagelman's 5th grade class for their downtown clean-up efforts on Friday, May 13th. We appreciate the hard work and good community stewardship from this group of young humans.
SAVE THE DATE!
DOWNTOWN GARDEN BED WORK EVENT
Wrangell Parks & Recreation staff & advisory board, along with several community members, tackled the downtown garden beds by pulling weeds, trimming shrubs and planting daisies.
It takes a team to ensure our little town sparkles. If you get the chance, take a look at the results by walking through downtown Wrangell.
NEW TO THE P&R TEAM
Miss Julia Miethe joined the P&R crew by successfully completing the American Red Cross Lifeguard course. Congrats to Julia - we look forward to working with her!!
CITY PARK CLEAN-UP
The WHS boys' basketball team showed up strong on Saturday, May 7th, to rake the City Park area.
This mighty crew, led by Wolves' Assistant Coach Robbie Marshall, raked for three full hours, filling 36 garbage bags with leaves and debris.
A great group of humans, doing good work. #gowolves