Vernon Aquatic Centre open again after chlorine gas alarm forced closure

Photo: Jon Manchester

UPDATE: 3:10 p.m.

The City of Vernon says the Vernon Aquatic Centre has reopened after a temporarily closure prompted by a chlorine gas alarm.

As of 2:40 p.m., the city says maintenance staff had investigated and believe the alarm was likely triggered by a small residual amount of chlorine in an empty bottle that had been changed out earlier Wednesday morning.

The chlorine safety system has now been reset and is being monitored.

"While it is unfortunate that this situation occurred and inconvenienced our participants, it is reassuring to know that the system and safety protocols in place work to keep both the public and staff safe," said recreation services director Doug Ross.

He says lifeguarding and maintenance staff acted quickly and followed established procedures. Ross also thanked Vernon Fire Rescue for helping to confirm there was no safety risk to staff or the public.

ORIGINAL: 1:05 p.m.

A chlorine gas alarm has shut down the Vernon Aquatic Centre.

The alarm was triggered just before noon, and Vernon Fire Rescue Services was dispatched to the scene.

"Lifeguards and maintenance staff on duty followed established safety protocols and evacuated all pool guests to the recreation centre's auditorium as a safety precaution," the City of Vernon says.

Firefighters are assessing the situation with the aquatic centre's maintenance team.

Few details are available at this time, but crews confirm a small amount of chlorine was contained within the aquatic centre's chlorine bottle room.

"Maintenance staff and firefighters have reset and are monitoring the chlorine system. The system will be re-evaluated at 1 p.m. and a decision will be made at that time regarding reopening of the pool,” says recreation services director Doug Ross.