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...

Not even a New York Times bestselling author earns up to $2,500 for a short write-up — but you could! No literary gifts needed — just a smart idea or two about how to minimize risk at your agency and then complete an entry form. You have until Friday, Sept. 3, 2021, to submit your agency’s Risk Management Grant and Recognition idea to try to win up to a $2,500 grant.  

“We’re hoping the past year in lockdown will have sparked more ideas on how to address risk challenges in ingenious ways,” says Tim Lenac, PDRMA Risk Management Services Supervisor, “and members will have even more inspirational suggestions to share.” The main thing, Lenac reminds members, is to solve a safety problem and get it down on paper.

It doesn’t matter how small you might think your idea is — a new sign or better lighting — it’s worth an entry in our annual program. Even a small or simple piece of equipment that solves a problem in your maintenance, recreation, parks or administrative department...

We continue to move forward with our transition to Duff & Phelps’ (D&P) appraisal and reporting features during 2021. Earlier this year...

Again in 2021, PDRMA will offer its Risk Management Institute (RMI) virtually, this time in a series of seven sessions...