Santa Clara says goodbye to Graham pool

By Hilary Tone

A joint recreation and risk management committee made the decision to demolish the Graham pool in late August, citing insurance liability issues.

According to Harry Fong, Associate Vice President for Finance and the university's risk manager, the group met in the summer to discuss its options after notification about Santa Clara's insurance company's new requirements regarding swimming pools.

"The insurance company that carries our liability coverage informed us that the risks of having a swimming pool without lifeguards were unacceptable because of the many claims they had experienced around the country," Fong said.

The company planned to limit coverage beginning July first unless a lifeguard program was established.

Santa Clara's committee tried to discuss the decision, the company would not budge.

"This forced us to evaluate our three pools and initiate the hiring and training of lifeguards," Fong said.

The pool at the Malley Fitness Center has been staffed with lifeguards since July. The pool at Alameda North will be maintained, having "limited months of operation," Fong said. The estimated cost to maintain the lifeguard program will be $150,000 annually.

"I was pretty angry that (they) thought it was necessary to have lifeguards because we're college students who should be responsible for ourselves. And it upsets me that they can supply Malley with lifeguards and not Graham," said Junior Bob Pfahnl.

Officials plan to turn the location into a grassy area with seating and BBQ grills. The project will cost the school $50,000.

Most Santa Clara students were notified about the Graham pool closure during the summer by a mass email sent by Fong.

Many returning students are unhappy with the change.

"It was a big part of the tours we give," said Carly Syke. The sophomore serves as an ambassador to Santa Clara, regularly giving tours of the campus. "I'm frustrated because I don't feel like there was a lot of student involvement in that decision."

Fong responded to students' reactions saying that while he "certainly understands the issues surrounding the decision to close the Graham pool, it is important that everyone be aware of how this decision was made."

"I'm aware of the facts," said Sophomore Jasdeep Mangat. "I also know that I don't get to see girls in teeny teeny bikinis by the pool anymore."