Aug 17, 2009 2:11 am US/Eastern
Lifeguards: Video Camera Caught Us Changing
Surveillance Cam Installed In Office Where Guards Often Changed Into Bathing Suits
Mayor: 'It's An Office, Not A Changing Room'
FREEPORT, N.Y. (CBS) ―
Some lifeguards on Long Island say they were caught on camera in a spot they used as a changing area, but town officials say they shouldn't have been surprised.
When the village of Freeport renovated the community pool in June, flowers were placed all over.
So were video cameras, along with signs warning the public that the entire area was under 24-hour surveillance.
"It was very bad, to the point you wouldn't want your child there," parent Tamiko Alston said. "But it's nice now."
But one camera is causing a lot of controvery.
Lifeguards say they had no idea it was installed in their office, a place they thought was private – and where they often changed in and out of their bathing suits.
"When we're on breaks or at the end of the day, we change into our clothes," lifeguard Jessica Lucarello said. "We change in there. It's our lifeguard office."
"I'm kind of upset," lifeguard Kevin Bridges said. "I change in that office, too."
"I was shocked," lifeguard Matthew Werner said. "If that was in there all summer, and we've been changing there all summer.
Town officials erased the hard drive to the surveillance system on Friday after an employee noticed the camera, which was clearly visible.
"The camera is on the equipment," Mayor Andrew Hardwick said. "It actually takes care of the surveillance system."
The mayor says that what shocks him is that lifeguards have been using the office, instead of locker rooms and bathrooms, to change.
"At no time should anyone be changing in that office, period, because both male and female employees use it," Hardwick said. "The public uses it, our youth program uses it – because it's an office, not a changing room."
The camera is still in the office, but officials have now posted signs warning lifeguards that the office is under 24-hour surveillance.
"They say it isn't an office, but I've been here ten years and it's been common practice," pool supervisor Robert Eberhart said.
On Monday, the mayor plans on holding a meeting to let everyone know that the office isn't to be used as a changing room.
The mayor says police have investigated and nothing criminal has taken place.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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