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Changes Made At State-Run Pools After Death In Fall River

FALL RIVER (AP) — Massachusetts officials say they will not be opening the slides at state-run pools this summer.

The decision follows a 10-month review of policies and procedures that began after the drowning last June of a 36-year-old woman in a Fall River swimming pool. Marie Joseph's body went unnoticed at the bottom of the murky pool for two days.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones reports

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Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Edward Lambert says while the pool's slide did not appear to be a direct factor in the death, the state will close the slides until a national safety study is completed.

The department is also recommending creation of a full-time aquatics division and the hiring of 20 additional lifeguards at state pools.

Lambert said the review pointed to an "inadequate approach to pool management" in the past.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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