I have been a member of this YMCA for over six years, and it is honestly heartbreaking to see what…read morehas happened to the aquatics department and this facility overall.
Over the past several months, the pool has been increasingly dirty, communication has become almost nonexistent, and there rarely seems to be management available. Calls go unanswered all the time and it is extremely difficult to get in touch with anyone in aquatics, and employees seem to be quitting left and right. Many of the swim instructors and lifeguards who kept my children, wife and myself coming back year after year are now gone, and the quality and availability of swim lessons have gone downhill TREMENDOUSLY. At the beginning of the year, I had no issues getting in contact with management, the aquatics department was responsive, the pool was clean, and I have never had to many any complaints, until now. I'm honestly not sure what happened, but there has been a noticeable decline over the past several months, and it feels like a completely different facility now.
What concerns me most is safety. I have personally noticed lifeguards appearing distracted and not paying the level of attention I would expect around a pool. This also includes the few swim instructors that are left, and unfortunately, the few who remain often seem distracted and inexperienced, which is especially concerning when parents are trusting them with their children in the water. As a parent, not being able to reach aquatics management when I have questions or concerns about my child's safety is completely unacceptable.
I know I am not the only frustrated parent. I have heard concerns from other families for months, and at this point I believe the YMCA board and senior leadership need to take a serious look at how this facility and aquatics department are being managed. When there is high employee turnover, unhappy members, declining programs, poor communication, and ongoing safety concerns, something clearly needs to change. It is a shame because this used to be a place my family enjoyed and trusted. After more than six years, I find myself asking, "What happened to my local YMCA?"
With membership prices increasing while the quality of service continues to decrease, I no longer feel that I am getting what I am paying for. I will be canceling my membership and would strongly encourage other families to carefully consider whether this facility is meeting their expectations, especially when it comes to aquatics and pool safety.
I also believe the appropriate health and safety authorities should evaluate the conditions at this facility if these issues continue. Paying members deserve a clean, properly managed facility, responsive leadership, qualified staff, and, above everything else, a safe environment for their children. Do better Scheu YMCA. You've really let your community down.
