As summer ends, most PDRMA members with aquatic facilities face a common challenge in pool safety; lifeguards leave before the end of the season. But Bloomingdale and Roselle Park Districts have found an answer. These neighboring agencies decided to keep just one aquatic facility open as the season wanes. By alternating each year, they “pool” their lifeguards and allow patrons of the neighboring facility that closes early to pay resident rates at the open facility.

In 2012, Carrie A. Fullerton, CPRE, Executive Director, Bloomingdale Park District and Robert Ward, Executive Director, Roselle Park District discussed their respective lifeguarding issues. “Carrie and I talked about year-end employment and the fact that our boundaries are very intermingled,” explains Ward. “A reciprocal arrangement could save nearly $10,000 with little to no effect on customer satisfaction. Besides that, we discovered we use the same guarding program, which makes it easier to move staff from facility to facility...

When a claim is filed promptly and completely, everyone wins; it takes less time for PDRMA to investigate the claim, and the member and/or claimant receives a decision as quickly as possible. For members that submit their claims via email instead of using the online system, PDRMA has made the process even more efficient — with a new, dedicated email — but it still needs your help.

“Our new email address, newclaims@pdrma.org, makes the claim-filing process faster and more secure,” explains Eric Hohenstein, PDRMA Claims Supervisor. “Members filing Accident/Incident, Vehicle or Property claims can email the information directly to the new email address. Those submitting an Employee Injury claim with a Social Security number or wage and medical information can access the new email through the Secured Email link at the top of the PDRMA website home page.” By sending new claims to this email, PDRMA ensures the appropriate Claims Consultant receives it as soon as possible.

The new email address is just part of more efficient claims handling. Receiving complete and accurate information about an incident is imperative. “If the claim form is incomplete...

Backing incidents are a leading cause of property claims for PDRMA members, but not at Lake County Forest Preserve District. The agency requires staff to back in all its vehicles when parking them, so drivers simply pull out when leaving...

Slips, trips and falls are an ongoing challenge for members, and this fall PDRMA will introduce a new PIPP program to address these areas at the Risk Management Institute (RMI)...