City's pool ID program not making splash with Buffalo residents

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Most Buffalo residents are comfortable with obtaining a city-issued, free ID to use one of its public pools or splash pads.

But not all.

At least one resident has written to Mayor Sean Ryan, the Buffalo Common Council members, and the city's Parks and Recreation Department raising concerns about the program - especially with the ID being issued as a bar code link to cell phones and not a traditional ID card.

The letter is part of Tuesday's Buffalo Common Council's committee meetings, but will likely just be included as part of the record.

Why?

Because the ID program just isn't an issue with city residents - even during a summer heatwave.

"Everyone I talked to tells me it is working," said University District Councilman Rasheed N.C. Wyatt. "I've had no complaints, so far."

Wyatt said the ID program works because if there is an accident, there is key and important contact information that lifeguards and pool officials can use.

Ditto for North District Councilman Joseph Golembek, who also says he has had little-to-no complaints about the program.

"If I get a call, I'll be glad to help someone work their way through the program," Golembek said.

The letter writer raised concerns that having the bar code sent to a cellphone may lead to the thefts of phones while people are swimming.

So far, that has not been the case.

Buffalo police report no pool-related cell phone thefts since the pools and splash pads opened on July 1.