A guide to maintaining excellent operations in the midst of adversity
By Jordan Brouillard
There’s no question that the aquatic industry has faced many challenges since the pandemic began. The challenges in forcing pool and water-park operators outside their comfort zone seem like they are here to stay for a while. The industry, however, demands high expectations for safety and customer experience, which means there must be solutions! Planning ahead, acting with purpose, and being flexible are crucial to success; these factors play a huge role in maintaining excellence in the face of adversity.
Planning Ahead
You’ve probably heard the adage, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” As you operate through a summer season, take notes and reports on operations. Planning for a pool and/or waterpark season begins a year in advance. For example, 2023 summer planning should begin during the summer of 2022. This provides an opportunity to retain employees and evaluate operations for the next season. Some struggles, though, may come from staffing shortages, COVID protocols, or upset patrons. Here are a few ways to plan for these struggles:
1. Staffing
There will be a shortage of lifeguards and other staff members. Recruiting and hiring for a summer season that begins Memorial Day weekend should start the season prior. Most staff members are seasonal and college students. Begin recruiting efforts with those individuals. Send an email to staff members in December, wishing them good luck on finals and happy holidays. This will accomplish a couple of things:
- It reminds them you exist, and you are thinking about them. A short email can mean a lot to some individuals.
- It provides a chance to gauge their interest in returning for another season.
This will ultimately provide a more accurate number of how many new staff members need to be recruited—information you will know by the beginning of the new year.