The end of summer is a big transition for park districts, as you close your most popular summer offerings — aquatics features. And it takes a bit of juggling to make everything work safely.

“It’s a challenging balance,” says Kyle Saros, PDRMA Risk Management Consultant. “As lifeguards head back to school, agencies have fewer people to monitor pools and water features, the weather is still warm, and patrons still expect to use all of the facility.” Not to mention agencies are simultaneously preparing to shut down those facilities.

Saros says there are two issues that aquatic managers have to address as the summer season ends...

A smart idea and an hour or two of your time can lead to the biggest rate of return for your efforts imaginable!

All it takes is an innovative idea for minimizing risk at your agency, an hour or two and an entry form. You’ve got until Friday, Sept. 5, this year to submit your agency’s risk management grant to RMGrant@pdrma.org.

Time is running out, but your entry doesn’t have to be elaborate. “Just solve a safety problem and document it in the application,” advises Sophie Ottley, PDRMA’s Property/Casualty Operations Coordinator...

Indoor sprinkler systems work in the background, and your agency only calls upon them in an emergency — that’s why maintenance is so important...

Kids aren’t the only ones who can get back into the swing of learning this fall. Our selection of on-site classes, virtual meetings and webinars can help you refresh your existing skills...