Cancellation Policy
PRACTICE CANCELLATION POLICY
The LOEST practice cancellation policy is consistent with the policy of our pool management company (Greater Houston Pools - "GHP" and Sweetwater Pools - "SWP') as implemented by the individual Homeowners Associations. That policy requires the GHP lifeguards to remove all swimmers from the swimming pool once the lifeguard has determined that threatening weather is in the area.
Swimmers must stay out of the pool for a minimum of 20 minutes after the last incidence of thunder or lightning in the general area. In cases of severe lightning, swimmers may be required to leave the pool deck completely and exit the gated enclosure. If bad weather persists, the lifeguards keep rolling back (in 20 minute increments) the time at which swimmers may enter the pool.
The LOE Dolphins policy is to hold practices whenever possible, consistent with the GHP/SWP rain policy and the needs of swimmers and coaches. We try not to cancel practices unless there is a strong chance that the GHP/SWP rain policy will prevent practice or if a practice has been postponed more than once because of threatening weather. At that point, the head coach, in consultation with the team rep or the designated LOEST board member, makes the decision to cancel practice.
In some cases, practices will also be canceled if the weather will not allow the coaches to set up the pool for practice (backstroke flags, lane lines, etc) or most swimmers have left the pool area or would not attend practice. If the first two practices in any session are canceled, the remaining practices may be canceled for these reasons.
Pool water quality issues may also force a cancellation. In the event that the pool water quality is deemed unsafe, we will also need to cancel practice.
SWIM MEET CANCELLATION POLICY
Rain policy for SWIM MEETS is dictated by NWAL rules. We have only canceled and rescheduled two swim meets in 10 years because of inclement weather. Unless the HOME team cancels a swim meet prior to set up (usually around 6 am) swimmers and parents need to assume that there will be a normal meet. All regular procedures and check in times will apply. If the meet is canceled prior to set up, there will be an announcement on the website no later than 6:30am.
