A popular pool in New Hyde Park is operating without an approved fire alarm or sprinkler system, according to officials with the fire marshal’s office.

They say Clinton G. Martin Park has been open since June even though the town of North Hempstead was issued violations for the incomplete installation.

Assistant Chief Michael F. Uttaro says fire marshals saw workers at the park installing a fire alarm system and sprinklers without approval or inspections. He says the town was advised not to reopen the renovated pool with the violations in place, but the pool opened anyway.

In June, the town was cited for two violations for failure to complete the installation of the fire alarm and sprinkler systems.

“According to the fire code of the state and the county, the pool complex buildings should not have been open to the public until such time that the fire sprinkler system and the fire alarm system are fully installed, tested and approved by the fire marshal,” said Uttaro.

Officials with the town say the fire alarm and sprinkler systems will be completed soon. 

A spokesperson for North Hempstead sent a statement to News 12:

“The pool was opened with a fire watch system in place, which is permissible and safe. The contractors are still on site finishing up. The fire alarm and sprinkler systems will be completed before they leave. Until then, public safety is ensured by maintaining the 24-hour human fire watch, which is an accepted fire safety system used while the fire suppression system is being completed. This has been an acceptable practice in the past. The Town would never risk the safety of its residents, employees and its facilities.”