21 Aug 2008 1:24 PM:
SuziQ
I fully agree with your comments. Before we start chopping up our pools, erecting walls etc. with the inevitable further building work, dust, disruption and closures we should seek to get lifeguards employed without an increase in our community fees. We should not take Seasun's budgeting as gospel that this is not possible.
Whilst, judging by their enthusiasm to dispense with a lifeguard service, many seem confident in their own apparent lifesaving techniques, I for one am not. People seem to assume it is only children we are worried about. What about adults who may get into difficulty? I know I would have difficulty assisting someone who had knocked themselves out diving in, a panicking fully grown man or someone who had taken ill. If we deliberately reduced our pool size to get around the law and something did happen think about the bad press too. Whether legal or not I am sure the motives would be put into question.
While the lifeguards we have are often seen sunbathing (try finding one that doesn't!) I have also been reasonably impressed by our guard on the Phase 1 pool. He is incredibly personable with the kids and takes an effort to talk to those that are by the poolside, instilling confidence in those who are a little unsure of their swimming abilities (first hand knowledge here). If we are serious about having a good quality, impressive complex of which we are proud we should demand the services we would expect if we were hiring somewhere for a holiday ourselves (i.e. pools open all day April - October and lifeguards). I do not rent out but intend to use our place for regular holidays myself and I know that is what we would expect if we went anywhere else.
Plan A should surely be to get a serious, professionally run admin company who sees that as the only option too.
Community thread:
Imputed incomeand expenses for non-residents
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