Supervisors press Parks director for lifeguard certifications as hires and repairs are approved

Gloria Goss, the county parks and recreation director, asked the Claiborne County Board on May 4 to approve hiring seasonal pool staff and to transfer funds to cover pool chemicals and repairs. The board moved to approve several hires with the condition that drug tests and background checks be completed.

During discussion, Supervisor Chambliss sharply criticized last season's pool management, saying the facility had been unsafe and that lifeguards had not been certified when the pool was opened. Chambliss said she had called for certifications and called the prior conditions "awful," adding that the county could have faced a tragic outcome if lifeguards were not properly certified. Goss responded that many returning lifeguards hold certifications valid for two years and that she would retrieve and provide copies of certificates to the board.

The board approved a $1,450 transfer to cover pool chemicals, and members agreed to hire identified seasonal employees pending successful background and drug checks. The director said she would deliver copies of lifeguard certifications to the board before opening the pool.

Why it matters: Public safety at the county pool depends on certified lifeguards, verified training records and maintenance. Supervisors emphasized documentation and asked staff to show certifications and complete checks before the pool opens.

Direct quotes recorded during the meeting reflect the concern expressed by a supervisor: "That pool is in the formal conditions. It should not even be open," (attributed in the transcript to Miss Chambliss). The director committed to producing certifications and to completing bathroom repairs and water-chemistry testing prior to operation.

The board did not take disciplinary action; it approved personnel actions conditioned on background checks and the director's delivery of certifications.