Liberty Bell Pool — Attraction in Georgia

The pool itself is really cool. I remember swimming in it as a kid. I went back and took my own kids. It brought back memories.

However, I think it's time to update the "lifeguards" on duty in regard to inclement weather. We arrived at the pool and were in there less than 60 seconds (no joke) when they made everyone get out because one of them claimed to hear thunder. Not only were there zero clouds in the sky, but there were also no storm systems within a 20 mile radius of us according to the dopplar radar. It's pretty cool - lifeguards, or those overseeing the lifeguards should have access to one. What did the lifeguard hear? It was the sound of many heavy feet running up the ramp, or someone's heavy bass. So, instead of admitting they were wrong, everyone had to sit out for 30 minutes?

I also wasn't impressed with the lifeguards. They looked bored out of their minds sitting on their perches. Not only that, but there was a lot of play and banter going on between a few of them. I overheard many inappropriate comments that made me think they weren't happy with their jobs. As a mom, I wouldn't take my eyes off of my kids, but if I had, I wouldn't trust the lifeguards to act quickly, know what to do, or even be paying attention.

If I may suggest taking away the perches. That just creates laziness. Have them walk around the pool in constant motion so they have eyes and ears on the kids/families at all times with different perspectives. This is pertinent in a potentially life threatening situation. They are supposed to be guarding lives, not spinning whistles, taking naps, or...

We were coming from South Carolina to camp at FDR so we woke up very early to arrive during the pool's open Sunday hours. We arrived at the pool around 4pm and were in the water not even 5 minutes when the lifeguards heard thunder. We were asked to get out the pool. While we waited, we pulled up multiple lightning strike weather apps and monitored the situation.

As more time passed, we went up and asked if the pool would be reopened. We were told that the pool would possibly reopen. Another adult came talk to us and said not to get our hopes up because he overheard the lifeguards talking and it sounded like none of them wanted to work.

Then we were told the pool was closing and that at 5:15 a storm was coming.

Other adults at the pool were wondering where this mystery storm was coming from that none of us could find on any weather tracking app. Every adult present had the same sentiment, that the teenage lifeguards were just ready to go home. The decision to close the pool should be left up to an adult, who does not benefit from the pool closing early. When we left, the closest strike was 20 miles away.

The mysterious storm has yet to make an appearance at the campground and as of 6pm the nearest strike is still 26.4 miles away on...

I really liked our visit here with family, however there's a lot of tacky little things that really grated on our nerves. Our son in law paid to take us swimming with our 4 grandkids at 4:00 but didn't mention the pool closed at 5! The young lifeguards cleared the pool every 15 minutes for 5 minutes due to the murkiness of the water to check for drownings around the drains. It would have been better if they had gotten into the water themselves and checked the drains instead of ruining everyone else's fun. Also the kids were not allowed to use their swim masks and although nothing was said to us about bringing in a cooler with drinks, the lifeguard made our son in law hike all the way back to the truck with it. So all in all, we had a very short, expensive and hot visit...