Fenwick Pool is Back in Business, Almost

Friars, dive in. Well, maybe not just yet.

communications director Jen Butler sent around the following message this morning:

As of Wednesday, October 12th, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has approved Fenwick’s permit to complete the necessary work on the swimming pool. Fenwick has already contracted an engineering firm and the school has begun the process of draining the pool. This work is being done to comply with the V.G.B Act that was passed in 2008. Upon final inspection, we will be able to confirm the exact date the pool will be re-open.

, the state's public health department closed the school's pool, saying Fenwick officials failed to prove they've complied with a new state safety standard.

Lawmakers in Illinois had modeled a new safety rule on a similar federal law requiring pool operators, such as park districts, to install types of pool drain covers prevent dangerous suction power that can cause swimmers to become stuck.

The state's deadline to meet the new standards was Oct. 1, and Illinois health officials found Fenwick — and roughly 500 parks, schools, hotels and condo buildings across the state — hadn't completed the work by then. But that looks to be rectified now, and we'll keep you posted as to when the pool officially reopens.

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