Photo Credit: Courtesy of Valerie Burkette
Thousands of families, including children and the elderly, visit municipal pools and water parks every year seeking a fun and relaxing experience. Although providing such an environment can be a challenge, managers know that a safe experience is based on adequate training for staff, safe staff practices, and proper lifeguard and emergency equipment. In addition to these factors, one must also consider the legal ramifications of failing to adhere to such policies.
From the moment a visitor enters an aquatic facility, lifeguards and staff members are required to be concerned with visitors’ safety, including the entry and exit ways to the facility, locker rooms, walkways, and, of course, the pool areas. Although this can be a daunting task, it must be a priority; it is not only the right thing to do, but a legal responsibility to ensure a safe experience. This responsibility should be a mindset and a daily practice, which includes training lifeguards properly, having proper emergency equipment, and adhering to sound, daily staff practices.
Document Training
There is an abundance of emergency equipment available on the market. Proper equipment is necessary, but the lifeguards and facility personnel must have the proper training to use it. For liability purposes, this training must also be documented. Although the cost to provide equipment and training is significant, it should be considered an investment; legal issues and potential remedies can be extraordinarily expensive, but it is ultimately cheaper to take preventive measures to manage a safe aquatic facility.