Community Safety Guidelines

The purpose of this document is to set forth guidelines that will instruct parishioners concerning rules, procedures and policies developed to ensure the safety of all parishioners but most especially our children. 

Following the biblical admonition to be our brother’s keeper, Christ the Savior endorses the attitude that  "Every adult is responsible for every child".  While not a legal ordinance, this attitude encourages a caring watchfulness by all adults for the youngest in our parish when we are gathered together.  The guidelines below provide further direction for how we can be successful in creating a safe environment at Christ the Savior Orthodox Church.

The Parish Council will appoint and oversee a Point of Contact tasked to assist with the communication and implementation of the guidelines below.

Pool Safety Guidelines

Lifeguards:  There must be a certified lifeguard on duty at all times when the pool is being used for a church event.  The lifeguard may be chosen from inside or outside the church, but must have a current lifeguard certification.  If there is no lifeguard available, the pool will not open.

Adult supervision of children:  All swimmers, ages 12 and under, must be supervised by a parent or other designated adult at all times while using the pool or playing in the pool area.

Permission slips:  At the beginning of each pool season, a permission slip signed by a parent/guardian will be required for all swimmers under the age of 18.  The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that parents and children understand the responsibilities and rules concerning use of the pool.  Others with children who want to swim after the pool season begins will also be asked to sign a permission slip before using the pool.

Education about pool safety:  Other means of reinforcing safe pool practices will include:

• visible signage in the pool area
• informal orientations for parents and children at the beginning of the pool season or as needed

General Safety Guidelines

Adult supervision of children:  All children ages 12 and under must be supervised by a parent or designated adult in all areas of the church property both inside and outside the parish temple and hall, and especially in parking areas.

Parking areas:  Because children routinely play in or near the parking area, it is essential that all parishioners exercise special diligence when driving in and out of the parking lot.  Please heed the following recommendations:

• First and foremost, be completely attentive to everything around your vehicle whenever you are entering the parking lot, parking, your vehicle and exiting the parking lot.
• If possible, “back-in” park when you arrive at the church, as that is when there are the fewest people walking in or near the parking lot. This practice will enable you to see in front of you when you are leaving the church, a time when the parking lot is busiest with children playing or people leaving.
• Whether or not you are able to “back-in” park, always be mindful of anyone in the area of your vehicle by walking around the back of the vehicle and then looking around again before you move. Use a back-up camera if you have one and proceed slowly.  Turn off your radio or music so you can hear any shouts or sounds of children approaching.

Areas of the church property that are off-limits for children:  Children may NOT play in the following areas:

• The entry driveway that winds from Carey Road through the arch to the main parking area
• The exit driveway at the end of the parking lot that bears left to Carey Road or right towards the trash dumpster and horse farm. Both sections of this road are off-limits
• The drainage ditch which runs behind the shed and roughly parallel to the end section of the parking lot
• The shed itself, which contains tools and equipment that could pose a hazard to children

Other parts of the property such as the woods and grassy areas around the church buildings are generally open to children under parental supervision.

Should you have any questions, concerns, thoughts, or ideas, please do not hesitate to speak with Fr. John.