New policy may require people to get out of pool and show ID

A new policy in The Villages may require people to get out of the pool and show an ID.

The potential policy revision was discussed at a joint meeting Monday morning of the Amenity Authority Committee and Project Wide Advisory Committee.

The two committees, in a meeting at Savannah Center, had gathered to consider options for new chipped resident ID cards, long-range readers at gates and online check-in systems at neighborhood pools that could potentially cost millions of dollars.

Officials indicated they did not have an appetite for spending that much money, particularly when statistics compiled by the Recreation Department suggested there is a 99 percent compliance rate with IDs at the 71 neighborhood pools in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown. Despite data from the Recreation Department showing that there are very few non-residents using the pools, residents’ continue to spread anecdotal tales of outsiders splashing in the pools. It is often said, that the people without proper identification simple “jump in the pool” to avoid being checked. Recreation Department staffers currently, per policy, don’t require people to get out of the pool for an ID check and don’t wake up nappers sleeping by the pool.

Officials concluded that the simplest solution may be to change the policy in order to ensure there is no abuse taking place at the pools.

“I don’t know why it’s a problem,” said PWAC Chairman Don Brozick, who leaned in favor of asking people in the pool to potentially get out and provide an ID.

AAC member Rich Cole said that asking people to get out of the pool or rousing a napper, would be an “intrusion,” but admitted that in order to quiet the complainers, it might be time to change the policy.

“Maybe it’s worth it,” Cole said.

Do you think people in the pools should be asked to get out and show their Villages ID or guest pass? Share your thoughts at [email protected]