Safety at PAC---by Chase Judd, Aquatic Coordinator

Regarding safety, the goal of any recreation center is to make patrons feel safe enough that safety is not even a thought. We want to be so good at risk management that patrons do not think about it. Safety is PAC’s highest priority, and its actions reflect that. This post will discuss why safety is such a huge priority at PAC and what PAC does to keep its patrons safe.

Why safety?

In Wyoming, there is a law that, without pulling specific quotes, essentially states that people, when engaging in recreational activities, are responsible for their own safety. While this might help some facility managers sleep better at night, at PAC we choose to operate a facility that not just follows the industry standard, but sets them. We take safety so seriously for several reasons:

Litigation

Regardless of the current laws, we’re aware that laws change and are vulnerable to the interpretation of judges. Therefore, it behooves us, legally, to create a safe environment for our staff and patrons.

Insurance

What’s more, PAC must carry insurance. There are companies that insure and stand by recreational facilities and cover claims should something go wrong. As we’re all aware, those insurance companies have self-interest to protect their assets. It logically follows, then, that these companies would have criterion that we must adhere to in order to keep our insurance, and if we disregard mandates from the insurance company, then PAC as a sole entity is responsible for paying any settlement that comes from an incident that occurs here.

Patrons

Above the insurance and legality, PAC aims to keep our patrons safe for their own wellbeing.  We like to see you come into PAC every day and enjoy our facility. So we want to keep you around. We not only want you to feel safe enough here that you return day after day, but you also stay healthy enough to keep coming back.

What does PAC do to keep you safe?

Safety Checks

At PAC we are constantly on the lookout for safety concerns. We do this not only by being aware of our surroundings every day, but each department has an opening and closing check list, which involves ensuring the facility is safe.  For example, The Aquatic Department utilizes a separate check list to be completed each morning that is all about facility safety and risk management.

We also make sure that we are inventorying our First Aid kits and Trauma Bags monthly to ensure they are well-stocked. AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) and fire extinguishers are also checked monthly to make sure they will work when needed (let’s keep our fingers crossed that we never do).

 

Equipment

At PAC we have First Aid kits in almost every section of the building. Locations include: Front Desk, Lobby, Walking Track, Basement, Classroom, Party Room, and Child Care. Each lifeguard even carries their own mini first aid kit!

We have two large trauma bags designed for large emergencies. We have three AEDs scattered about the building, and we have fire extinguishers everywhere!

Staff Training

We can outfit our facility with all sorts of great safety equipment, but we need to make sure our staff knows how to use it properly. Every single staff member at PAC is trained in CPR, First Aid, and AED use. Most of our staff are trained at a professional level of CPR (Full-time staff, Lifeguards, etc.).  Several of our staff are trained EMTs!

We are all certified by the American Red Cross; it recommends regular reviews of CPR and First Aid. Every four months each staff member is required to participate in CPR and First Aid training and review. We also do monthly safety trainings (fire and egress, blood borne pathogens, active shooter, and nine other topics).

All PAC departments host regular training as well. Aquatic Staff, because of the nature of being life savers, receive 3.5 hours of training per month. Other department staff also receive training that is appropriate to their unique areas  to ensure patron safety.

Patron Input

PAC Staff prides themselves on how safe we keep our patrons, but we realize that we aren’t perfect. That’s why we have our ‘Suggestion Box’. Every patron comment  submitted is given thought and consideration by supervisory staff. Legitimate safety concerns are addressed immediately. If you see a safety concern, please alert PAC staff immediately or make a comment in our suggestion box.

I appreciate the time you have taken reading this blog, and I hope to see you soon at PAC.

K. Chase Judd

Aquatic Coordinator

cjudd@pinedaleaquatic.com