In an effort to improve safety at the Carroll ISD Aquatics Center, the board of trustees approved the addition of eight part-time lifeguards and two full-time lifeguards for an estimated cost of $185,043. To help offset the cost of additional lifeguard staffing at the center, which is located on the campus of Carroll Senior High School, trustees also approved the raising of fee costs on swim lessons, club swimming dues and rental program rates by 25 percent, which is estimated to generate $112,000 in additional revenue each year. The fees will increase beginning Nov. 1. The increase in lifeguard staffing comes three months after a 13-year-old girl died during swim team practice at the CISD Aquatics Center. "[The increase is] more than justifiable," Superintendent David Faltys said. "It's been a long time since we've updated the fees. Also, after the tragedy this summer, that's been the common request— raise ours fees so we get the staff we need." CISD officials said the aquatics center has been operating under the USA Swimming guidelines and best practices to this point. There are currently eight part-time lifeguards and three full-time lifeguards on staff. Faltys said it has been more than 12 years since the fees have increased.
The additional lifeguards would help to cover the number of hours needed to monitor the pool for all activities and events that occur weekdays, evenings, mornings and weekends.