Newsletter

Preparing for Summer

While summer creates wonderful opportunities for communities to get together for activities ranging from Independence Day parades to Little League baseball games, the season challenges public agencies to manage the risks associated with increased use of facilities like parks, playgrounds, and swimming pools. The California JPIA offers many resources to help safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure that municipal summer gatherings go off without a hitch.

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Aquatics
Injuries at member-owned swimming pools and aquatic centers can be traumatic and costly. This exposure can be managed in several ways:

• Ensure lifeguards are trained to follow specific operational and emergency procedures and possess current lifeguard and first aid/CPR certifications.
• Regular in-service training can 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 facility areas 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 is readily accessible and that staff is trained to use these devices effectively.

First Aid/CPR
Larger crowds, coupled with higher temperatures during the summer months, increase the likelihood of agency staff needing to respond to an ill or injured colleague or member of the public. California JPIA members can improve the odds of a favorable outcome by ensuring that key staff is formally trained in first aid, CPR, and AED use. The Authority 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; review your records to determine if employee certifications have expired.

Park Maintenance
While maintaining safe park and playground environments is essential at all times of the year, the months before summer are an apt time to review your agency’s inspection and maintenance program and to conduct audits by Certified Playground Safety Inspectors (CPSIs). You can locate a CPSI in your area through the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) website. A Park and Playground Inspection and Maintenance Program template can be found in the resources section of cjpia.org.

Special Events Program
Summertime also increases the number of special events hosted by public agencies. Event organizers or the public wishing to use member-owned facilities may need help to obtain the minimum general liability insurance limits recommended (typically $1 million per occurrence). The Authority’s Special Events Program can help by providing 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. This coverage is not deductible, and members are automatically included as additional insured. For more information, visit the special events page of the California JPIA website.

Abuse Prevention Resources
It is crucial to address the protection of vulnerable populations during seasonal programming. The California JPIA partners with Praesidium, which offers educational resources to help agencies understand and manage risks related to abuse and molestation. Resources include a helpline, model policies, screening and selection, crisis response toolkits, and multiple online, self-paced trainings. For more information and to access these resources, please visit the Praesidium webpage.

As we gear up for the summer season, it’s imperative to remain vigilant and proactive in managing risk. By implementing the above strategies and utilizing available resources, public agencies can ensure the safety and well-being of all community members.

Training
The Authority provides numerous in-person, virtual instructor-led, and online self-paced training modules ideal for assisting staff in handling the unique risks associated with summer activities. These training opportunities include:

• Aquatics Center Operation
• Code of Quality Service
• CPR/AED/First Aid Safety
• CPR/AED/Pediatric First Aid
• Dealing Successfully with Customers
• Hearing Conservation
• Heat Illness Prevention
• Library Service, Safety, and Security
• Mandated Reporter
• Playground Safety
• Part-Time, Seasonal, and Temporary Employees and Volunteers

To sign up for training, contact your agency’s training registrar. If you have questions or want more information, please contact your regional risk manager.

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