Memorial Day is right around the corner. It’s less than a week away! Besides having an extra day away from the office, Memorial Day also marks the opening of most community pools, and the start of most summer league swim teams. Anytime there is more then an inch of water involved in an activity, there are risks to be aware of.
So far in 2011, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported 37 drownings and 38 near-drownings in 15 weeks. Preparing for the water sport season, the independent federal regulatory agency is planning to release an awareness campaign, Pool Safely: Simple Steps Save Lives for television and radio. The new campaign will complement the existing Web site, which is loaded with resources for families, operators, state and local officials, and the media. They even have online games for kids that teach them about water safety. View The Adventures of Splish and Splash here.
ISM’s Risk Management Consultant put together a checklist for schools with programs (or school year), that include activities such as board-diving, swimming, water polo, scuba diving, and boating.
Consider being able to answer the following in the affirmative:
- Will certified lifeguards (and other certified personnel) be on “deck”/duty at all times and in the appropriate ratio?
- Do you validate your line-of-sight zones?
- Can you staff up or staff down when the unexpected happens?
- Pool locked during after-hours?
- Do you have:
Appropriate signage? (Here is an example of a water-sport release form. Please note, this has not been tailored for the needs of private schools.)
Door alarms?
Pool safety covers?
Fence if outside? - Do you have rescue equipment on hand, including rings and buoys, reaching poles with life hooks and first aid kits?
- Is an assessment of each child's swimming skills performed prior to activities?
New water sport of interest: Ever hear of water walking? Apparently, this is a new activity where mainly children, but adults as well, climb into a large, airtight ball that allows them to walk on water, ice, or other terrains. It almost sounds like a great new way to get some exercise. There are several concerns however, that officials are trying to make public. Read the full article here.
