Steps being taken to keep public pools, Kennywood safe this summer

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Coronavirus has put a lot of our favorite activities into jeopardy, including the things many of us like to do in the warm summer months.

Officials across our area, including in Butler County, are looking into how they can safely do things like opening public pools.

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Cranberry Township is working closely with neighboring municipalities on how to best do that.

“We are all talking about how can we safely restrict, how are we going to push enforcement and comfort levels of the guests that come in,” said Pete Geis, the township’s parks and recreation director.

He said they plan on limiting the number of families at the pool at a time. One proposed idea is to have people sign up for specific time slots to be allowed in the pool.

Geis told Channel 11 the pool is big enough for families to keep a safe distance.

“We have over 14,000 square feet surface area in our pool, so by that figure you can fit a lot of people in this area,” he said.

But is the pool safe to swim in?

Channel 11’s Jillian Hartmann spoke with a local infectious disease doctor, who said it is safe.

“Chlorine should kill off the virus, but the biggest risk is going to be personal interaction,” said Dr. Dave Weber.

Geis told Channel 11 lifeguards will be on-duty to enforce social distancing. However, amenities like the water slide will be closed, but concession stands will likely be open.

They also plan to place markers around the pool to keep families at least six feet apart.

For anyone hoping to find a summer job — Cranberry Township will do virtual training for lifeguards.

As for jobs with the concession stands, guest services and maintenance, you can apply for those online.

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