WELCOME ! 

The Rosalia community pool is more than a place to swim—it’s shared infrastructure that supports public health, safety, and quality of life. Stable funding ensures the pool can be properly maintained, staffed with trained lifeguards, and kept accessible to Whitman County families, and youth. Without reliable revenue, facilities often fall into disrepair or face reduced hours, limiting access for the very people who benefit most.

Investing through a modest, locally controlled tax, spreads costs fairly across the community while preventing larger, more expensive repairs down the line. It also helps keep user fees affordable, so the pool remains inclusive and accessible to our community. 

The Rosalia pool also offers a safe, supervised environment for recreation, exercise, and social connection, which contributes to both the physical and mental well-being of our community. 

Supporting dedicated funding is a practical way to preserve this valued public resource for current residents and future generations.   

Shawna Parry, Board Chair

RULES & REGULATIONS

General

• Adult Supervision: Children under 13 must never be in or near the pool without active, sober, adult (18+) supervision at all times

• No use of the pool while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• No Running: Walk, don't run, to prevent slipping on wet surfaces

• No Diving in Shallow Water: Enter the water feet first unless in a designated deep, safe diving area

• No Glass: Absolutely no glass containers in the pool area to avoid broken glass in the water or on the deck

• No Breath-Holding: Prohibit games involving long breath-holding to prevent shallow water blackout

• No Roughhousing: No dunking, pushing, or dangerous horseplay

• Persons with seizures, heart, or circulatory problems should not swim alone

• Swim with a Buddy: Never swim without a lifeguard present

• Persons failing to follow posted rules are subject to removal from the premises

• No Food or drink in or around the pool area

Hygiene and Maintenance 

• Shower First: Take a shower before entering to remove lotions and oils

• Bathroom Breaks: Take regular breaks; do not use the pool as a toilet

• Use appropriate swim diapers with protective coverings for babies & toddlers 

• No Swimming if ill, have open wounds, diarrhea, etc.

• Diaper changing must be done in the designated changing area found in the bathroom, not on the pool deck

General Etiquette

• Clean Up: Remove your pool devices and other items after use

• Proper Swimwear: Wear appropriate swimsuits; no denim or non-swim attire

• Ask First: Always ask an adult before entering the pool

LIFEGUARDS NOT BABYSITTERS

Preventing municipal pool lifeguards from acting as babysitters requires clear policy enforcement, strict facility rules, and active parent education.  To shift the dynamic from childcare back to aquatic safety in Washington state:

• Enforce Age Requirements: Require children under a specific age (13 - Rosalia Pool) to be accompanied by a supervising adult (18+) at all times.

• Post Code of Conducts: Clearly display zero-tolerance policies stating that lifeguards are not responsible for supervising children while parents leave the premises.

• Utilize Facility Ejection: Train guards to issue warnings and ultimately suspend pool privileges for children left unattended or behaving disruptively without guardian oversight.

For official guidance on aquatic facility supervision standards in Washington, consult the Washington State Department of Health guidelines for public swimming pools.