Ed. Note: Sounds like the standard ‘adult swim’ common at many private pools. Which makes sense. What I don’t understand is why this also applies to the kids pool (a separate shallow pool not attached used what seems exclusively by children and their adults of course.) Anyway, OP’s question:
“Dear PoPville,
I am hoping someone can explain the 15-minute break some DC outdoor pools require every hour. I always thought the reason was to give the lifeguards a break, so that they’d be sharply focused when they’re needed. But twice in the past couple of weeks at Francis pool, the lifeguards have required only kids to get out for 15 minutes, not adults. So, the lifeguards have to continue being vigilant during that time–and kids have to watch adults swimming and know that they can’t.
Anyone know what the reason is behind this policy? I tried to find it on the DC Parks & Rec website, but had no luck.”