Anyone getting their daily exercise at the Rutland YMCA Monday morning faced a chilly detour.
Around 11 a.m., the alarm signalling a chlorine leak was sounded, and orders to evacuate were issued.
It meant everyone from kiddies in day programs to swimming seniors were huddling in doorways for warmth— some only dressed in a speedo and towel.
Although there was some apparent discomfort, most were in good spirits, happy that emergency services were so quick on the scene and that nothing had gone seriously awry—chlorine leaks can have dire consequences, as was seen in a recent leak in Williams Lake.
“I should have brought a beach umbrella,” said one man, who was dressed for such an occasion at the very least.
In total, the outdoor adventure was a one-hour affair, cut short when the Kelowna fire department isolated the leak and cleared the air.
According to KFD platoon leader Dale Calhoun, one of the bottles of chlorine, situated in the chlorine room, had a faulty valve leached some overflow gas and triggered the alarm.
“There was no danger to the public,” said Calhoun. “The leak was minimal.”
Strangely, it was the second time that morning the fire department had been called to the Y for a chlorine leak.
They had been there just after 8 a.m., as well, although Calhoun wasn’t sure if they were dealing with the same faulty bottle. Either way, the air was cleared after both cases.
