DARLINGTON, SC (WBTW) – Eight years after two teenage boys drowned at B.P. Gandy Pool, the City of Darlington is continuing its efforts to prevent another tragedy like that from happening. The city has implemented more safety measures and recently made a change in operations. 

One of the pool rules was created after 13 year olds Justin McKay and Timquan McAllister drowned in the deep end in May 2010. Investigators found out neither boy knew how to swim and both were not accompanied by an adult. Now, children who don’t know how to swim or are poor swimmers will have to wear wristbands that identify them as non-swimmers. They’re also not allowed in the deep end. Those sections of the pool are blocked off with ropes to avoid any confusion. Planning Director Lisa Chalian-Rock says supervision is also a top safety priority. Adults cannot sign in more than two children at a time. 

“There’s a certain number of children per adult that can come in. And if you are a non-swimmer or a poor swimmer, you’ll have a wristband that indicates that so that the lifeguards will know who they really need to keep an eye on,” she said. 

The pool was previously operated by the police department and school resource officers. Chalian-Rock tells News13 city council decided to “shift the responsibility of the pool to recreation” this year. 

“And to do that, they decided to go with a third party contractor, Poolwerx of Florence. His contract is to staff the pool. He will have two certified lifeguards on deck all the time,” she said. 

Chalian-Rock says the city is focusing on making sure kids know how to swim and feel comfortable in the water, which is why they ‘re holding free swimming lessons for children ages 5 to 18 this week. About 50 kids attended class on Tuesday. Volunteer instructors didn’t just teach them how to swim but also how to be comfortable and familiar with the water, which is crucial for survival.

“Water can actually be dangerous to people who don’t ever have the opportunity to learn how to swim,” said volunteer Paul Ward. “If they get stuck out in a lake or pond or something and they needed help to get to them, they could stay out there as long as they could. Or better yet, get back. Or they could stay out there until help arrives and they can be alright.”

Lillian Brunson, who has been a swim instructor for 46 years, says safety is her top priority as a teacher. 

“We are trying to get them to the point where they are safe in the water and can swim across the deep end and float on their backs,” she said. 

Swimming lessons will be held on Wednesday and Thursday morning at 10:15. Classes are free but you do need to register your kids in advance. The pool is set to open at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 20. Admission is $1. B.P. Gandy Pool will be open until September 1 on Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.