Aquatic safety management is a critical aspect that must be taken seriously when it comes to water parks and public-use pools. For operators and professionals involved in these areas, establishing guidelines and protocols to ensure a safe environment is essential for customer satisfaction and business success.

In this post, we share some common mistakes in aquatic safety management and how to avoid them.

1. Ignoring the Importance of Aquatic Safety and Regulatory Compliance

One of the most common mistakes in management is underestimating the importance of aquatic safety and the strict compliance with applicable regulations and legislation. This is not only a legal requirement but also fundamental to the visitor experience.

An unsafe environment can impact the establishment’s reputation, as negative reviews and media coverage of accidents can deter future visitors. Therefore, it is crucial to establish and maintain high safety standards to protect the image of the park or resort.

2. Failing to Properly Train Staff

Another common mistake is not providing the necessary training to staff. It is essential that the entire team, including lifeguards and customer service personnel, receives training in aquatic safety and emergency management. This training equips them with the necessary tools to act effectively in critical situations.

Depending on each professional’s role in the facility, training should include:

• Rescue techniques: How to respond in case of an accident in the water.
• First aid: CPR training and handling of common injuries.
• Crowd management: Strategies for handling emergency situations with large groups of people.
• Emergency drills: A lack of emergency drills is another mistake to avoid. Conducting regular drills helps staff become familiar with safety procedures and improves incident response.
• Applicable technical regulations and maintenance guidelines.

3. Neglecting Safety Equipment

Failing to ensure the availability and maintenance of safety and rescue equipment is a critical yet common mistake. Equipment such as life jackets and floatation devices must always be available and in optimal condition. Regular inspections should be conducted to ensure all devices meet safety standards:

• Life jackets: Should come in different sizes and be suitable for all ages.
• Floatation devices: Must be available in all swimming areas.
• First aid kits: Should be accessible and well-equipped throughout the park.

Additionally, linked to the previous point, staff must be trained to explain the use of these devices to visitors, providing clear and visible instructions.

4. Lack of Active Supervision

Constant supervision is essential for maintaining a safe environment. A common mistake is not having enough lifeguards in all swimming areas, which, in many cases, is also a requirement under applicable regulations. The visible presence of security staff not only helps prevent incidents but also reassures visitors.

As a complementary measure, it is recommended to implement surveillance systems that can support human supervision. Security cameras help monitor park areas and allow for quick responses to any incidents, enhancing overall safety.

5. Failing to Perform Regular Maintenance on Facilities

Conducting regular inspections of facilities is vital. A common mistake is neglecting the maintenance of slides and water play areas, whether due to a lack of knowledge or the absence of protocols with clearly defined responsibilities.

At The Fun Lab, we have developed a series of internal inspection checklists to assist maintenance teams. We offer these tools free of charge to industry professionals, with specific versions for different aquatic leisure solutions (slides, pool structures, splash areas without depth, etc.), as well as for different operational periods (post-season, pre-season, or during the park’s operating months).

If you would like to carry out an aquatic safety audit and consultancy for your water park or pool, do not hesitate to contact us. Alternatively, if you want more information about our new aquatic safety audit and consultancy services, visit our website.

We would be happy to assist you with any aquatic leisure project. Keep exploring our blog to stay updated on our latest news, technical articles, and projects.