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Chlorine alarm evacuates Vernon pool

Alarm went off at 6:45 a.m. but quick response led to pool reopening to the public at 7 a.m.
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The Aquatic Centre at the Vernon Recreation Complex was evacuated for a short amount of time Friday morning, May 19, following a chlorine alarm. (Roger Knox - Morning Star)

It was a shorter workout than usual for the regulars at the Vernon Aquatic Centre Friday morning, May 19.

The chlorine alarm inside the Vernon Aquatic Centre was activated at 6:45 a.m., and the public was cleared out of the swimming pool and evacuated to the auditorium as a safety precaution.

Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) was dispatched through an automated alarm monitoring system.

“Upon arrival, firefighters inspected the chlorine room and determined the automated safety systems had contained a minor leak and there was no risk to public,” said City of Vernon communications manager Christy Poirier. “Recreation Services staff kept the chlorine disinfection systems isolated, manually adjusted chlorine levels and reopened the pools at 7 a.m.”

The quick response from VFRS and the team at Recreation Services minimized the service interruption to the public.

There were no injuries as a result of the event.

The Recreation Services maintenance team is now testing the chlorine disinfection system to determine the cause of the chlorine alarm. The chlorine safety system has been reset and is being monitored.

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roger@vernonmorningstar.com

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Roger Knox

About the Author: Roger Knox

I am a journalist with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. I started my career in radio and have spent the last 21 years working with Black Press Media.
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