For reasons we can only speculate, rumors, gossip and seemingly purposeful mischaracterization of facts have been spread based on recent oversight and findings of one of our partner organizations. At every point during a recent Red Cross audit, Swiminc worked to correct any mistakes and communicated openly with affected partners and individuals. We worked carefully to ensure we met the expectations of a safe environment for our patrons and the expectations of a safe workplace for our employees. Sadly, the gossip mill works far faster than a full, carefully accurate, and fact-based response.

 

For 70 years, like any organization, Swiminc has made changes as it meets the needs of the Worthington community. Sometimes as a result of self-reflection or community feedback. Sometimes as a result of the oversight of our trusted third-party partners.

 

We invite auditors to ensure our finances are consistent with current practices and safeguards. We work with the Franklin County Health Department to regularly check that our aging facility continues to achieve standards that promote a healthy environment. We hire safety staff certified by and subject to the oversight of the Red Cross.

 

During recent transitions, questions arose about whether our lifeguard training classes met some of the Red Cross standards, particularly the number of hours spent in the classroom during the Lifeguard Certification course and the continuity of instruction due to the choice to break up the course into several sub-courses. This resulted in an audit and investigation by the Red Cross. During the investigation, we worked openly and willingly with the Red Cross to achieve continuity of a certified and well-trained staff protecting the safety of our patrons. 

 

In addition to the preseason and weekly training and audits of our lifeguards that exceed the total classroom hours of the certification course, we completed a full course to recertify every staff member we believed was at risk of losing their certification at the end of the investigation. To the best of our ability, we contacted and recertified affected external lifeguards at their request.

 

The conclusion of the investigation found that we did indeed make some mistakes. Those mistakes resulted in the Red Cross placing the former Swiminc Director of Swim School on observation and revoking its Instructor Agreement with the former Swiminc Director of Aquatics. The findings and the letters sent to these individuals can be found below.