Endicott’s “Z Pool” Reopens Following Attack on Lifeguard

A village of Endicott swimming pool that was shut down after three people skirmished with a lifeguard is back in operation.

An employee at the "Z Pool" at the North Side Park was injured in the July 30 incident. Two teenagers and a Binghamton man face felony charges in connection with the attack.

The pool was closed to the public following the incident. Surveillance cameras were installed at the site and enhanced security procedures were implemented.

This week, the pool is once again open daily with limited hours and occupancy restrictions. There are fewer lifeguards available now because some quit after the attack and some have started their fall semester college classes.

Endicott Mayor Linda Jackson said the pool is expected to operate through Labor Day.

The mayor told WNBF News cameras have been installed both at the pool and at the park's carousel. Police and other village employees can monitor the video feeds by phone.

Jackson said pool employees have been instructed to immediately notify police of any problems they may encounter.

Police officers will make their presence known more frequently in the park. Lifeguards also have been given instructions in steps that can be used to deescalate a situation.

The mayor said other steps to enhance safety and security at the park will be discussed in coming months for possible implementation next year.

Why is it called the Z Pool?

The "Z Pool" was built in 1965 and originally was shaped like the letter Z. But the pool's capacity was cut in half - from 600,000 gallons to 300,000 gallons - during a 2010 reconstruction project. While it's now actually L-shaped, village residents still refer to it as the Z Pool.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.