Chandler staff: 4-year-old’s drowning with full lifeguard staffing, capacity followed
Courtesy of City of Chandler
Chandler officials have released new information about policy and some of the circumstances in place when a 4-year-old boy drowned during a private event at a city pool Sunday evening, June 29.
Chandler officials have released new information about policy and some of thedde circumstances in place when a 4-year-old boy drowned during a private event at a city pool Sunday evening, June 29.
A spokesperson for Chandler Aquatics — the city department that operates the city’s six centers — said not only were there the requisite 18 lifeguards on duty for the event, the number of people inside the facility was well below even the department’s self-imposed capacity.
The spokesperson stated that Chandler’s capacity for the Hamilton Aquatic Center — the outdoor Hamilton High School campus pool where the drowning occurred — is below the fire department-determined maximum. There were 60 to 80 people at the June 29 private church-group event.
“The fire code (maximum) is 830,” the spokesperson stated. “However, we set capacity below that at 600.”
As the staff are looking at its own capacity, rather than fire code, there typically isn’t even a need to discuss if there are legally too many people inside the fence. Also, Chandler charges for private events per person, so head count is important beyond safety protocol.
“Not a discussion,” the spokesperson stated. “Admission will never exceed capacity as set by Fire Code.
Chandler also requires organization representatives or party leaders to sign a standard “hold harmless” type of waiver meant to prevent lawsuits against the city in the event of death or injury at one of its six aquatic centers and pools.
There were the standard 18 lifeguards on duty June 29 when the boy was pulled from the pool, unresponsive, by lifeguards, the city has stated. Efforts poolside and at a Chandler hospital to keep him alive were unsuccessful.
It wasn’t immediately clear how long the boy had been motionless in the pool before he was pulled out. An investigation remains ongoing.
The spokesperson stated lifeguard count is established based on the area of the pool used, rather than how many people use the pool that day or are expected.
“This rental was a fully staffed operation with 18 lifeguards on duty — just like a public swim day,” the spokesperson stated.
Posted rules online for large group celebrations at city pools emphasize that while lifeguards are in charge of safety and their directives must be followed, it’s parents and/or chaperons of a private event who are ultimately responsible for child safety.
“Pool managers and lifeguards have complete authority in the pool,” the city’s rules state. “Lifeguards are on duty to provide a safe environment and respond to and assist with aquatic emergencies. It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to watch their child at all times.”
Private pool rentals are only available at Chandler pools from May 3 through Aug. 23 in 2025, with a three-week advanced notice required. Facilities are only available for rental on Saturdays or Sundays after our public swim hours have ended.
A final head count must be finalized and submitted to the city 72 hours prior to the party date.
The rental rate for the Hamilton Aquatic Center, for Chandler residents for a 2-hour rental, is currently $1,080 plus tax, with three-hour rentals and non-residents charged more. There’s also a 25% nonrefundable deposit.
The spokesperson stated the use of privately hired lifeguards, either in combination with or instead of Chandler lifeguards, wouldn’t be something city staff would even discuss.
Jason W. Brooks News Editor | Chandler Independent
Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.
Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.
Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.
Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.
By 
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here