HomeMy WebLinkAbout6-23-2020 Public comment - Gallatin County Tactical Dive Team - Sports Cove Pool AccessFrom:Richard Gauron
To:Agenda
Subject:Sports Cove Pool Access
Date:Tuesday, June 23, 2020 8:20:45 PM
Bozeman City Managers and Commissioners,
The Gallatin County Tactical Dive Team or GCTDT, a part of Gallatin County Searchand Rescue and its members are reaching out about the current situation with Sports Cove.
Specifically, the Recreation Department's refusal to work with the Sports Cove to assist inaccess to the pool. Without access to the pool Sports Cove may have to close. Being a small
locally owned business, which has been hit hard by the current pandemic, the ability to trainlocal residents to scuba dive is a staple of Sports Cove’s business. Access to the pool is thus
critical for the business’s survival. The closure of Sports Cove will have unintendeddownstream consequences to the GCTDT and thus the larger community that we serve, which
is why we are writing on the Sports Cove's behalf.
The GCTDT members, in large part, have been trained by Steve Lantz the owner of
Sports Cove during his thirty years in business in Bozeman. Many of the members continue togain new certifications and training through Steve and without access to these courses the
ability to offer the citizens of Gallatin County the services we do will be severelyimpaired. Additionally, Sports Cove has generously and continuously allowed for the GCTDT
to use the pool during its rented hours to train. This often comprises the GCTDT’s monthlywater-based training which is invaluable to our safety and our ability to offer the highest level
of professionalism under the water. Sports Cove services much of the scuba equipment usedby the team, most of this is required annual inspection and maintenance and is imperative to
our safety. Our SCUBA gear is literally our life line and without exaggeration we depend onit for our very survival. Steve often does this at a highly discounted price or for free to assist
the GCTDT. This servicing is extensive and vital and is required to be done not only bysomeone trained but also certified by specific manufacturers. Without access to Sports Cove
to do this, gear would need to be sent out at a significantly higher cost to the county and withincreased time out of service for team members. The team also regularly fills our tanks for
SCUBA diving at Sports Cove. The air used needs to be dehumidified and must meetstringent specifications. Air not meeting these specifications will kill a diver at depth. The
equipment used is specialized for this role and Sports Cove generously supplies these tank fillsat no cost to the GCTDT.
In conclusion without access to Sports Cove’s equipment and expertise the GCTDTwill suffer in our effectiveness to perform our role with Gallatin County Search and Rescue.
There will also be a greater financial burden on GCSARs annual budget. Without access topool hours Sports Cove may have to close harming GCTDT and its ability to perform our
dangerous job safely, professionally and at the highest level. On behalf of the Gallatin CountyTactical Dive Team we ask the Recreation Department to work with Sports Cove to allow
access to the pool in these trying times. These pool times need to be in the evening. As withmost of the Sports Coves customers, the members of GCTDT all work in the community
during the day. The times that the Recreation Department has offered, which are appreciated,are of no actual use for the Sports Cove or the GCTDT.
Sincerely,
The Gallatin County Tactical Dive Team