Indianapolis residents gear up for pool closures and soaring temperatures
Indianapolis, Indiana – As we approach the beginning of the academic year for high school and college students next week, a number of public pools overseen by Indy Parks are slated for closure.
Certain facilities are expected to remain open until August 6th. However, this plan may be subject to alterations due to potential staffing shortages or the necessity of maintenance tasks, as indicated by the department.
As of Wednesday, the swimming pool at Rhodius Park is no longer available for use. The pools expected to shut their doors this coming Sunday include those at Brookside, Garfield, Perry, Riverside, Gustafson, Sahm, and Stanley Strader.
On the 6th of August, an additional six pools are slated for closure: Broad Ripple, Eagle Creek Beach, Ellenberger, King, Douglass, and Northwestway.
While the facilities at Thatcher Park and Indy Island generally remain accessible year-round, Indy Island is currently closed for maintenance.
The escalating heat has kept a significant number of individuals, including construction workers, extremely busy as they attempt to work in these challenging conditions.
Alex Cortwright, Chief Communications Officer at Indy Parks, emphasized the importance of awareness in these conditions, stating, “Know the information. Know where to go.” As the temperature rises, Indianapolis residents are gearing up to withstand this harsh weather.
In such conditions, Indy Parks urges community members to look after one another. Cortwright added, “And if they need assistance give them a ride. Whatever assistance you can to make sure that folks are safe and stay cool during this heat wave.”
Indeed, construction workers are equally preparing for the high temperatures. Dan Livingston, Safety Superintendent at Rieth-Riley Construction, explained, “This isn’t for the unseasoned worker. Don’t try to tempt to come out and start working in this heat until you’ve been fully acclimated…” Livingston added that as the season advances and the heat intensifies, the crew progressively acclimatizes.
Livingston noted that the company remains vigilant for symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as excessive perspiration and heat cramps. He added that in situations of escalating heat-related distress, they rely on their training to intervene effectively.
While the firm is well-equipped with first aid and CPR resources, Livingston emphasized that preventive steps like maintaining hydration and seeking shade can help workers cope with the heat. He stressed the importance of vigilance among the crew, saying, “There’s a lot of guys that will just continue to keep working on through and when they do that it’s up to me as supervisor, coworkers to look at somebody and say, ‘Hey, man. You may not realize it, but I think you’re starting to exhibit some symptoms.’”
