Safety Policies & Rules | Missoula, MT (2024)

The Circle of Safety: It's A Team Effort

Swimmer safety is the top priority at Splash Montana and Currents Aquatics Center. The facilities aim to create a "circle of safety" to ensure a safe and fun experience for all. The circle includes close and constant supervision of children by a parent or a responsible adult, swim lessons for all children beginning at an early age, life jackets for young kids or non-swimmers, and well-trained lifeguards.

When it comes to swimming with kids, especially young children or non-swimmers, parents are the "first lifeguard on duty." All children should be under CLOSE and CONSTANT supervision around water.

Children ages 6 and under and non-swimmers: parents or responsible adults must be IN THE WATER and within arm's reach at all times.

This is called "touch supervision," where adults are close enough to reach the child immediately. While lifeguards are essential to water safety, nothing can replace undistracted, swim-ready parental supervision.

Designate a responsible adult to actively supervise children in and around any body of water, giving them your undivided attention. Because water accidents can occur quickly and quietly, adults should not be involved in other distracting activities (like reading or texting) while supervising children, even where lifeguards are present.
To maintain the safety and security of young swimmers, children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult at both pools.
Ensure kids of all ages obey pool rules and are under adult supervision.

Life Jackets

Coast Guard-approved life jackets are available free for your use, but parents must remain within arm's reach of their child. Young children and inexperienced swimmers should wear life jackets, but safety devices do not replace close and constant adult supervision.

Swim Lessons

Swim lessons teach vital life skills and could save your child's life. Lessons are offered at free and reduced rates tofamilies who need financial assistance.According to the CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, a child's risk of drowning can be reduced by up to 88% after formal swim instruction.

Lifeguards – The Last, Best Defense

Lifeguards are your last, best defense against swimming accidents. Like police and firefighters, lifeguards are "first responders." They are trained to enforce safety rules, immediately recognize the signs of a swimmer in trouble and respond with lifesaving measures which help prevent an accident from becoming a tragedy. While lifeguards are essential in providing water safety, only parents can ensure a child's safety in and around water. Children of all ages should be under adult supervision and should understand the importance of obeying all pool rules.

Splash Montana and Currents lifeguards undergo comprehensive American Red Cross training, along with weekly in-service training and drills to practice emergency response skills. Guards receive extensive training in "patron surveillance," monitoring the behavior of swimmers to detect the subtle signs of a swimmer in distress. Our facilities' emergency protocols include "layers of protection" to ensure a rapid team response to any situation. If you have any questions or concerns about water safety at Splash Montana or Currents Aquatics Center, please call Aquatics Manager Eric Seagrave at 406-721-PARK (7275), or email Eric Seagrave.

Learn more about water safety at the American Red Cross website

Enjoy your visit to Splash Montana and Currents

Bring a lock for the day-use lockers or purchase one at the front desk for $3.50. Do not bring valuables into Splash Montana or Currents.
Please bring your own towels and swimsuits. Swim diapers and suits that seal off the legs and waist are required for infants and not-yet-toilet-trained toddlers (if you are unsure, have your toddler wear them.) Swim diapers and reusable infant swim pants are available for sale at both pools.
Smoking is prohibited on-premises or within 25 yards of the facilities.
To help maintain water quality during recreation swim, both facilities will stage five-minute "Safety Checks" at 90-minute intervals throughout the day. All guests will be required to exit the pools. This is an excellent time for children (especially preschoolers) to use the restroom.
State safety regulations restrict the number of patrons allowed in the pool area at a given time, whether they are swimming or not. The admission fee is required for everyone entering the pool deck, regardless of whether they plan to swim.
The staff at Parks and Recreation is committed to making Currents and Splash Montana welcoming, friendly, and safe for everyone. Parks and Recreation fully supports nursing mothers, belongs to the Missoula Breastfeeding Coalition, and makes every effort to comply with state laws protecting nursing mothers and infants.

Splash Montana

Splash Montana is a full-service facility. We provide food sales through the Crazy Creek Café and Fireline Grill, plus day-use lockers, float toys, lounge chairs, lifeguards, swim instructors, and pretty much anything you might need.
No outside food or drink is allowed within Splash Montana. Only store-bought, sealed plastic water bottles or empty personal water bottles (which can be filled from our water fountains) will be allowed into the facility. No glass. Please leave your coolers at home (if you have a medical need, please inquire at the front desk for accommodation.)
Re-entry policy: Guests may need to exit and re-enter during the course of the day. If you plan on leaving the park and re-entering, get a hand stamp and then pay $1 when you re-enter. A $1 re-entry fee and a hand stamp are required every time you leave and want to re-enter. Seasonal, 6-month, and annual pass holders do not need to pay the $1 re-entry fee.
During inclement weather, call 406-542-9283 for pool closure updates.

Further Information

For more information contact:

Currents Aquatics Center at 406-721-PARK (7275)
Splash Montana at 406-542-WAVE (9283)

As a water safety expert with a profound understanding of aquatic facilities and safety measures, I want to emphasize the critical importance of creating a comprehensive safety strategy, much like the one implemented at Splash Montana and Currents Aquatics Center. The commitment to a "circle of safety" is evident in the combination of parental supervision, swim lessons, life jackets, and well-trained lifeguards.

Parental Supervision: The concept of "touch supervision" for children aged 6 and under and non-swimmers is a key aspect of water safety. Parents are rightly considered the "first lifeguard on duty," emphasizing the need for undivided attention to actively supervise children. This goes beyond just having lifeguards present, highlighting the irreplaceable role of parents in ensuring immediate response and vigilance.

Life Jackets: The use of Coast Guard-approved life jackets is encouraged, especially for young children and inexperienced swimmers. However, it's crucial to note that life jackets don't replace close and constant adult supervision. Parents are reminded to remain within arm's reach of their child even when life jackets are used.

Swim Lessons: The article underscores the importance of swim lessons in developing vital life skills and reducing the risk of drowning. The CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control is cited to emphasize that formal swim instruction can significantly decrease a child's risk of drowning.

Lifeguards: While lifeguards are acknowledged as the "last, best defense" against swimming accidents, the article emphasizes that they should not be the sole reliance for water safety. Parents play a crucial role in ensuring a child's safety, and lifeguards undergo comprehensive training to enforce safety rules and respond effectively to emergencies.

Beyond the core safety concepts, the article covers various other aspects related to visiting Splash Montana and Currents Aquatics Center:

Facility Rules and Regulations: The importance of obeying pool rules and the need for adult supervision for children under 7.
Safety Checks and Regulations: Regular safety checks, restricted patron numbers, and admission fees are highlighted to maintain water quality and comply with safety regulations.
General Facility Information: Details about facility amenities, food services, locker policies, re-entry policies, and contact information for inquiries.
Inclement Weather Protocols: Information on contacting the facilities for updates during inclement weather.
Smoking and Personal Belongings: Prohibitions on smoking and guidelines for bringing personal belongings like towels, swimsuits, and water bottles.

In conclusion, the "circle of safety" implemented at Splash Montana and Currents Aquatics Center serves as a comprehensive approach to water safety, addressing both active supervision and precautionary measures like swim lessons and life jackets. The facilities prioritize not only enjoyment but, more importantly, the well-being of all visitors.