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A pool lift was recently donated to the Southern Prairie YMCA in Creston to provide individuals with disabilities better access to the swimming pool.
The lift lowers a swimmer into the water and, when he or she wants to get out of the pool, will raise up and turn for exiting the chair. In compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act Accessiblity Guidelines, the lift is independently operable by the person using it.
“We are excited to be able to offer this to our membership,” said Executive Director Keith Worland. “This will allow individuals who were unable to get into the pool before to take advantage of a pool exercise program.”
While a new pool lift may cost around $8,000, the one now utilized at the Southern Prairie YMCA was purchased used and donated by Creston members Mike and Donna King.
The YMCA first secured a grant for more than $5,300 in spring 2016 from South Central Iowa Community Foundation to purchase the lift. But, since the Kings donated a lift, the YMCA will be able to use the grant money for batteries and materials needed to secure the lift to the pool deck.
The lift provides a comfortable seat with adjustable lap belt and footrest, as well as simple-to-operate controls. It does, however, have a lifting capacity: 300 pounds.
“Probably within 15 minutes of it being set up, somebody brought a young lady down to use it,” said Aquatics Coordinator Kristi Terlizzi. “I’m really happy that we have gotten it. We have a lot of people who really do need it, especially since the hospital has been referring people over here to do a lot of therapy in the pool, so it will make it easier for people with different mobility issues to still be able to join us and hopefully stay active.”
While the lift may be used by individuals who take water exercise classes, Terlizzi said it will also be helpful for those wanting to swim laps or otherwise exercise on their own.
“Hopefully people will come and check it out, and they’ll be able to use it on their own,” she said. “We’ll be more than happy to show people how to use it, but they’ll actually be able to do some of it themselves depending on how mobile they are.”