The question of why motel pools do not have to have lifeguards and the town pool does is often asked. The answer is found in the Montana Code Annotated (50-53-107) and also in the Administrative Rules of Montana (37.115.1601). In those sections, code specifically singles out public/municipally owned swimming pools and bathing places and requires them to have lifeguards so as to ensure the operation of the facility to be sanitary, healthful, and safe.

However, it also indicates that privately owned swimming facilities may not be required to have a lifeguard if they meet specific criteria. So basically, since Ekalaka is a public municipality, it is required to have lifeguards. Since motels are privately or corporately owned, lifeguards are not needed.

Administrative rules also state that one lifeguard is needed at all times per 2000 square feet of pool area. Because of this, plans for the new pool are 30’ x 60’, 1800 square feet. For comparison, Emswiler Pool currently has an area of approximately 25’ x 50’, about 1,268 square feet. The new pool area is planned to be larger; but still within the limits required to have only one lifeguard on duty.

The Town of Ekalaka and the New Pool Committee acknowledge and thank those listed below who have recently made donations to the Town’s Restricted Cash—New Pool Account:

Individuals/Businesses:

Pat & Kim Quade; Ella Voise; Jessica Powers; Mainstreet Market.

In Memory of JoAnn Sterns:

Ernest & Peggy Tooke; Garth & Myrna Tooke.

In Memory of Aggie Collins:

Janice Collins.

In Memory of Tyler Markuson:

D.P. & Monte Lou Munro.

Including these donations, the funds for the new pool are currently: $39,838.97/Town’s restricted cash new pool account; $108,531.43/Pool Committee funds; $11,945.20/Lions Club; and $12,003.06/Meadowlark Club. These funds total $172,318.66. When added to the $150,000 Fish, Wildlife and Parks Grant, there is $322,318.66 available for a new pool.

Continued financial support of this project is still needed! To contribute a tax deductible donation for a new Ekalaka swimming pool, please mail a check (payable to the Town of Ekalaka) to: Town of Ekalaka, PO Box 338, Ekalaka, MT 59324, and indicate in the memo line “New Pool.”