The J.P. Gandy Swimming Pool is expected to open the last of this month with the Darlington Police Department staffing and operating it.
The pool suffered a setback May 29 when two 13-year-old boys drowned. The boys were cousins.
Justin McKay and Timquan McAllister drowned at the pool the first day it was open in 2010. State Law Enforcement Division agents testified at a coroner’s inquest that several witnesses who were in the pool told them the boys had little or no swimming ability.
Following the June 18 inquest called by Darlington County Coroner Todd Hardee, a jury of six people ruled the deaths accidental.
A committee commissioned by Darlington City Manager Howard Garland last year suggested a surveillance system be installed so employee’s in the aquatics center office can have a better view of what is going on inside.
Rodney Langley is chairman of the J.P. Gandy Swimming Pool Study Committee. He said the committee has toured the pool to help the committee make a recommendation to the city manager as to the future operations of the swimming pool.
“The committee still thinks that having the police department operate and staff the operations of the pool is the best option,” Langley said. “The committee took into consideration the small amount of discipline problems that have occurred at the pool and the fact that having the police at the pool provides for a great community policing project. In fact, the committee feels the city should consider using the project to apply for a Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) award.”
Langley said much work has been done at the pool since it closed for the summer last September. He said a camera system has been installed that will “aid the lifeguards and city officials greatly.” All new plumbing and fixtures have been installed in the bathhouse.
Additionally, the floors and interior walls have been painted and security lights installed.
“The pool and amenities really look nice,” Langley said. “The committee felt that it would be a shame to turn the pool over to an outside group or organization after the city has spent so much money and effort into the renovation of the pool.”
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