We, the undersigned, strongly support Splash n' Putt Resort in its efforts to continue operating its pool safely and in compliance with public health regulations while addressing the significant lifeguard shortage affecting businesses across Newfoundland and Labrador, and beyond.

For over 40 years, Splash n' Putt Resort has been a beloved family destination, providing a safe, fun, and enjoyable environment for both residents and tourists. It is also a major employer in the region, second only to the local fish plant, supporting the livelihoods of many families in the area. However, the lifeguard requirements, coupled with the Covid pandemic, have caused a severe shortage of qualified lifeguards in rural Newfoundland and Labrador, resulting in the pool’s closure for the entire 2024 summer operating season.  This has had a severely negative impact on the resort’s operations and the local community.

Splash n' Putt Resort’s pool serves its guests—a specific group of individuals—and there is a clear parallel between our resort and other facilities across the province. Equity dictates that if pools at other facilities like day camps, hotels and campgrounds  are exempt from providing a lifeguard under the current legislation, Splash n' Putt Resort’s pool should be afforded the same consideration.

CNRL 1023/96 Public Pool Regulations:

Classes of public pools

4. (1) The following classes of public pools and other water areas are established:

(a)     a Class A pool is

(i) a pool, access to which the general public is entitled,

(ii) a pool operated in conjunction with, or as a part of, a program of the YM-YWCA or similar institution or an educational, institutional, physical fitness or athletic institution supported in whole or in part by public funds or public subscription,

(iii) a pool operated on the premises of an apartment building, a mobile home park or a student nurses, interns or apprentices residence, for the use of occupants and their visitors,

(iv) a  pool operated on the premises of a hotel, for the use of its guests and visitors,

(v) a pool operated on the premises of a campground for the use of its tenants and their visitors,

(vi) a pool operated in conjunction with

(A)    a club for the use of its members and their visitors, or

(B)    a condominium, cooperative, or commune property for the use of the owners members and their visitors, and

(vii) a pool operated in conjunction with a day care centre, a day camp or an establishment or institution for the care and treatment of persons who are ill, aged or in custodial care, and their visitors.

(13)  Where lifeguard services are not provided for a pool or other water area referred to in subparagraphs 4(1)(a)(iii) to (vii) or paragraph 4(1)(b) or (c), the owner and operator shall

             (a)  inform users of the unavailability of life guarding services at the pool or other water area; and

             (b)  post, in conspicuous locations and in full view, signs with letters not less than 15 centimetres high on at least 2 sides of the pool or other water area stating the unavailability of life guarding services.

We firmly believe that it is both equitable and justified for the government to classify the pool at Splash n’ Putt Resort under the Public Health Act, in the same manner as similar pools at facilities like day camps [2(i) "day camp" means a camp or  resort that admits  persons for a continuous period not exceeding 24 hours;], hotels [2(n) "hotel" means a hotel, motel, resort or other building or premise operated to provide sleeping accommodations for the public;] and campgrounds [ 2(f) "campground" means  land or premises used as an overnight camping facility;].  These establishments which are restricted to guests and their visitors are not required to provide lifeguards and/or attendants.  Splash n’ Putt Resort, which serves a similar guest-focused model, should be held to the same standard while at the same time providing First Aid/CPR trained attendants to monitor the pool at all times.

We urge Minister Haggie, Minister Crocker, and Premier Furey to:

1. Immediately engage in ongoing discussions with Splash n' Putt Resort to find a solution that ensures the pool can continue to operate safely and in compliance with health regulations for the upcoming 2025 summer tourism season.
2. Classify Splash n' Putt Resort’s pool in line with similar pools at other facilities like day camps, hotels and campgrounds that do not require lifeguards and / or attendants. 
3. Ensure equal treatment for all similar facilities, recognizing the fairness of applying the same standards to pool operations.
We are confident that this approach will allow Splash n' Putt Resort to continue providing an important service to the community, support local tourism, and maintain its long-standing legacy.

We respectfully request a formal response within 30 days regarding this matter to help us plan for the upcoming 2025 season and ensure the continued success of the resort and the community it serves.

Thank you for your time and consideration.