Is the Pool Open?

So, I have mentioned previously that I have joined the Lifestyle Center at Covenant Hospital http://www.covenanthealth.org/Our-Services/LifeStyle-Centre.aspx so that I can continue my physical therapy routine in the pool.  When I joined, I read the signs that the pool was closed during inclement weather.  I assumed this meant electric storms, but did not ask. It just made sense to me.

The middle of the week after I joined, there was an electric storm in the southeast part of Lubbock.  I had wanted to go to the pool that night, but decided not to.  My upbringing included stern warnings about activities during electric storms:  No swimming, no golf, get inside, stay away from doors and windows, unplug electric appliances like TVs, stay away from sinks, stoves, and other appliances that can conduct electricity, no baths or showers.

A few nights later, it was a cloudy day, so I asked at the Lifestyles front desk about the definition of inclement weather.  The woman at the front desk said rain is okay, but not thunder or lightning.  That night, one of the other pool participants commented that while we needed the rain, if there is thunder or lightning, they will close the pool.

We are anticipating severe weather tonight, as moisture streams in from the southwest from the Pacific hurricane Norbert (although the hurricane itself is heading northwest.) This moisture comes from outlier bands of the hurricane. I left work early, but after I had put in my 40 hours, and went to the Lifestyle Center.  No one was in the pool when I arrived.  I asked at the desk, and was told that the pool was open, as they had not heard thunder nor seen lightning (confirmed my experience.)

As it turned out, by the time I got into the pool, there were other people in there.  As my session wore on, some left and several others entered the pool.  We discussed the weather. One woman told me she called to ask about the status of the pool, and was answered sarcastically.  There was no need for that. I told her I asked when I arrived at the center, and was answered politely.  Well, the person who was at the desk when I arrived was not the person she spoke to. That is too sad: people dealing with the public have an obligation to be polite.  That may have been the hundredth call that person received about the pool status, but it was the first that person made.

So, as I was finishing my session, we saw raindrops.  Not really rain, just raindrops.  But, no thunder, no lightning, so the pool was not closed.