TO: The Honorable Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
Michael C. Zito, Deputy County Administrator
Beth Powell, Parks, Recreation & Conservation Director
Gustavo Vergara, Parks, Recreation & Conservation Assistant Director
FROM: Robert Welch, Aquatic Systems Manager
DATE: October 23, 2025
SUBJECT: Standard Operating Procedures - Aquatics Division
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BACKGROUND
The Indian River County Aquatics Division is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life by providing quality aquatic programs and facilities. We strive to promote water safety, health, and wellness for our community through innovative programming and exceptional service. Our mission is to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging aquatic environment that fosters enjoyment, skill development, and personal growth for individuals of all ages and abilities.
Indian River County is home to two (2) outdoor aquatic facilities: the North County Aquatic Center, located in Sebastian off County Road 512, and the Gifford Aquatic Center, located in Vero Beach on 43rd Avenue. Both facilities feature various amenities and activities for the public to enjoy.
The Gifford Aquatic Center is a family-oriented swimming pool opened on August 21, 2001, and features a lap pool with five lap lanes, zero-depth entry, and water slides (currently under development). There is also a separate interactive spray deck with waterfalls, jets, and fountains.
The North County Aquatic Center opened on December 3, 2002. The facility is home to a competition pool that can host 50-meter long-course, 25-meter, or 25-yard short-course events, a diving well, and a family-focused activity pool with interactive play features and two water slides.
ANALYSIS
Consistent with the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department Standard Operating Procedures, staff updated and compiled a comprehensive document to serve as its Division Standard Operating Policies specific to the Aquatics Division. Intended to be a living document that is adaptable to changing operational and administrative conditions, Indian River County reserves the right to evaluate and update all operational concerns, policies, scheduling, rules, regulations, and improvements.
The Standard Operating Procedures will provide staff with guidance on their daily work responsibilities, background information on facility amenities, and specific procedures that should be followed to maintain safety and ensure proper use of the facility by staff, contracted vendors, user organizations, and visitors.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
No Budgetary Impact
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
24-0366 - Parks, Recreation & Conservation Department Fee Schedule and Standard Operating Procedures Update - April 23, 2024
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
No projected future board actions.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Quality of Life
OTHER PLAN ALIGNMENT
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff respectfully requests that the Board of County Commissioners approve the drafted Aquatics Division Standard Operating Procedures Manual and authorize the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Director to make administrative, non-substantive updates to the SOP as needed.