Before Everybody Gets Out of the Pool…
As summer winds down, so do aquatic programs. Bringing pools and water features to a close has its own special challenges members need to be ready to address.
Managing Sun Exposure
The best strategy for managing sun exposure can be summed up in the three words OSHA has been using since 2011: Water. Rest. Shade.
Heat illnesses (heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke) can affect anyone regardless of age or physical condition, and they can arise quickly. Although the elderly, very young, those with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications are most at risk, Exertional Heat Stroke (EHS) can happen in healthy younger people as well, if they work outdoors, engage in strenuous activity or wear heavy gear.
You can visit the CDC website for an overview and check out these PDRMA resources as well:
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“Many aquatics facilities find they must alter operation hours or close sections of the facility, because they don’t have enough lifeguards available,” says Kyle Saros, PDRMA Risk Management Consultant. “As lifeguards return to high school or college, it puts extra pressure on remaining lifeguards and pool managers. Agencies need to help them avoid burnout, since the beginning and end of pool season is when most accidents happen. Lots of positive reinforcement, performance spot checks and monitoring hours worked are key, as is changing your admission hours and/or closing areas of the pool — if necessary.”
Members should use extra care in managing shutdowns in the face of public pressure to remain open. “Don’t let the public pressure you into operating your facility without adequate lifeguarding staff. As any member agency involved in a drowning knows, ‘real’ public pressure comes after such an incident,” he explains.
When you do close a zone, remember to post signs, erect physical barriers and have a staff person on deck, if possible, to keep patrons from sneaking in. And don’t forget to adjust your posted pool capacity to reduce the number of patrons allowed in the area.
If you have questions about policies, procedures and safety requirements, please contact your PDRMA Risk Management Consultant and check our resources, below.
PDRMA Resources
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