Everyone Out of the Pool — and Back to Before- and After-school Programs

The end of summer marks big changes for PDRMA members with a combination of closing out aquatic programs and prepping to launch before- and after-school programs.

Preparing for the end of pool season is an annual event for Rosie Edwards, CPRP, CPO, and Recreation Supervisor at St. Charles Park District, and Alexandra Weidner, Aquatics and Youth Program Supervisor. 

Their top three issues to address for end-of-season aquatic safety are staffing availability, hours of operation and preparations to shut down the facility properly. One specific concern, they say, is the time required by both recreation and parks departments to off-board staff and close the facility.

Lifeguarding Concerns

Lifeguards need special care, especially at the end of the season and to prevent burnout. “We celebrate the positives and allow our employees to enjoy the facility,” they explain. “Food is always a perk, and we proactively keep watch on staff hours throughout the season — and especially at the end.”

One big issue arises when lifeguards go back to school, but aquatic facilities remain open. Their remedies? Offer mid-summer or end-of-season lifeguard classes to keep skills sharp and/or close portions of the facility, offering patrons reduced rates for admission. They also change hours of operation based on school schedules and lifeguard availability. “Take it one day at a time,” they advise, “try to plan in advance, have your supplies already ordered, and promote the end of season to encourage employees to help with closing.”

Gearing up for Before- and After-school Programs

Back to school is tricky enough when it’s an annual event, but getting ready after a yearlong gap in in-person learning, combined with vaccination and other challenges requires special care. But Taylor Krawczyk, CPRP at Baker Station, Special Events & Teen Camp Supervisor, St. Charles Park District has a suggestion.

“The best way we've been preparing is simply by being transparent with both employees and patrons,” Krawczyk explains, regarding both summer and school-year programming. “As COVID restrictions continue to change, we stay up to date on what our school district is doing as well as the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois State Board of Education.

 “As we prepare staff,” he continues, “we just emphasize this is our direction ‘right now’ — but remind them to be prepared for stricter guidelines as the seasons change and in-person learning resumes.”

The Best-prep Tip 

Krawczyk stresses that communication is the best tool for good prep. It helps when working with school districts to find the best solutions, with staff when discussing why and how things will be different from previous years and with parents when explaining that programming may look a bit different for safety’s sake.

“We are continually preparing for different restriction levels with staff and hoping participants will understand and respect our guidelines, if they become more restrictive,“ Krawczyk notes. “Staffing has also been an issue this year as many of our usual returning staff leave for college. We’re experiencing high registrations (which is a great problem!) but are concerned about returning-parent expectations if they did not attend our programs last year.

“It’s vital that our agency is on the same page as the school district and parents as we prepare to host a ‘full’ after-school program.” Krawczyk stresses. “Ensuring our employees implement the same rules and expectations as our school district helps eliminate confusion among participants and parents. And our relationship with our Special Recreation Association has been important as we transition into a typical after-school program by modifying activities as needed and providing clear expectations for participants as they register for the program.