*this item will be discussed at the board meeting on August 12th!*

As a military spouse and a parent of two children under the age of two, the current no flotation devices policy at the Mountain Home city pool poses significant challenges for my family. Often, I find myself solo parenting and wanting to ensure the safety of my small children, yet the absence of an allowance for flotation devices like life jackets prevents us from enjoying the recreational activities available at the pool. This policy means that my family, particularly my young toddlers, are excluded from safe swimming experiences that promote fun, fitness, and bonding.

In Mountain Home, Idaho, where many residents are military families, the situation is not unique to me. Many other parents, like myself, juggle the challenges of parenting alone due to our partners' commitments to serve the country. The current pool policies inadvertently keep us from participating in these vital community gatherings and from enjoying public amenities.

Allowing small infants and toddlers to use approved flotation devices will ensure their safety while enabling families like mine to partake in aquatic activities. We are not asking for an exemption from safety; rather, we are seeking a policy adjustment that emphasizes child safety and family inclusion. Life jackets and other suitable flotation devices have been proven to prevent drowning and accidents.

It is vital for the Mountain Home community to adopt a flotation device policy that considers the needs of its families, particularly those who serve the nation and are often separated from essential support systems. With adjusted policies, the community pool can become a place where safety and enjoyment go hand in hand for everyone, regardless of age or family circumstance.

Join me in calling on the Mountain Home city council to revise their policy to allow safe, suitable flotation devices. This change will not only enhance safety for our children but also offer a more inclusive environment for all families to enjoy public pools together. Please sign this petition to support a balanced approach to safety and inclusivity in Mountain Home.