Preparing for Summer

By Alex Mellor, Senior Risk Manager

While it might be hard to believe, summertime is just around the corner. This is an opportune time for public agencies to begin thinking about managing risk associated with increased use of public facilities such as parks, playgrounds, and swimming pools.

Aquatics
Injuries that occur at member-owned swimming pools and aquatic centers can be both traumatic and costly. Members can manage this exposure in several ways:

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• Ensure lifeguards are trained to follow specific operational and emergency procedures and possess current lifeguard and first aid/CPR certifications. In addition, regular in-service trainings provide lifeguards with simulated experiences of potential real-world incidents (victim retrieval, unruly patron intervention, etc.)
• Regularly inspect the pool, locker rooms, showers, and other areas of the facility to identify and correct hazards such as broken glass, bodily fluids, inappropriate behavior, etc.
• Ensure that rescue equipment such as backboards, rescue tubes, and throw ropes are readily accessible and that staff has been trained to use these devices effectively.

First Aid/CPR
Larger crowds coupled with an increase in temperatures during the summer months make it more likely that agency staff will have to respond to an ill or injured member of the public. Members can improve the odds of a favorable outcome by ensuring that key staff members are formally trained in first aid, CPR, and AED use. The California JPIA offers American Heart Association (AHA) first aid, CPR, and AED training to members at no additional cost. The AHA requires re-training every two years, so if it has been a while since your employees received this training, it would be good to review your records and determine if certifications have expired.

Special Events Program
Summertime also brings with it an increase in the number of special events hosted by public agencies. Event organizers or members of the public wishing to use member-owned facilities may have difficulty obtaining minimum liability insurance limits recommended by the California JPIA (typically $1 million per occurrence). The Authority’s Special Events Program can help with this issue since the program provides general liability insurance when member-owned premises are used for special events or short-term activities. Examples include weddings, art festivals, parades, yoga classes, and member-sponsored events such as fairs, carnivals, and swap meets. There is no deductible for this coverage, and members are automatically added as additional insured. For more information, visit the Special Events page of the California JPIA website.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact your regional risk manager.

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