A number of pool employees and swim lesson students were hospitalized earlier this week, after a HAZMAT incident at the Brimhall Aquatic Center in Mesa, Ariz.
Most would assume that a 911 call to a pool would be about a drowning or head injury, but the Mesa Fire Department found themselves on call for a chemical smell at the aquatic center.
According to the Mesa Fire Department, a mixture of bleach and sodium bicarbonate, common cleaning products, created an “off-gassing,” or release of the smell of harmful chemicals. This chemical smell prompted aquatic center staff to call 911 and warranted the HAZMAT response.
“When crews arrived it was immediately upgraded to a hazardous materials first alarm to add additional units for mitigation and patient care needs,” Marrisa Ramírez-Ramos, a public information officer for Mesa Fire, said in an email.
Most of the victims were experiencing respiratory distress. About ten people were treated at the facility, and seven were transported to the hospital for further evaluation.
Due to the initially unknown nature of the chemical gas, nearby Mesa Public Schools were evacuated as a precaution.
It is not unusual to find both sodium bicarbonate and bleach at an aquatic facility, but mixing cleaning products or their improper storage can lead to incidents like this week’s HAZMAT response in Mesa.
“Anytime you’re dealing with chemicals and crossing mixtures, there could be a reaction. Keep that in mind as we are right at the peak of heading into pool season,” said Ramirez-Ramos.
This recent incident at the Brimhall Aquatic Center in Mesa should serve as a reminder to all aquatic leaders about the importance of a strong emergency action plan. Not every pool emergency requires in-water rescue, and staff should understand the plan for a variety of problems, like chemical gasses, that can occur around the water.
In a recent AB article, How to Achieve Emergency Preparedness in the Fitness Setting, Chris Stevenson said, “This collective response, driven by role-specific training, ensures that every staff member is well-prepared to contribute effectively and efficiently during emergencies.”
“Remember, preparedness is not just about checking off boxes. It’s about cultivating a culture of safety and responsibility that resonates throughout your fitness facility, leaving a lasting positive impact on staff and members,” said Stevenson.
As no serious injuries or fatalities are reported from the situation at the Brimhall Aquatic Center, this event stands as an example of how aquatic centers can best react to uncommon emergencies.
The Brimhall Aquatic Center is closed for a few days following the incident, and all special programming has been postponed.
