Sun Safety: Protecting Your Most Valuable Assets

Protecting Your Most Valuable Assets: A Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Your Team and Patrons Safe in the Sun and Water

Summer means soaring temperatures, big crowds, and long hours for pool and waterpark staff. While there's an undeniable joy that comes with the warmer weather, there's also severe risk. Sun exposure, heat-related illnesses, and water temperature safety are significant health hazards for your outdoor team members and patrons. As an operator from Texas, I have seen and felt the effects of heat exposure, and it can be really scary. So, while we're all busy planning for this summer, let's take a minute to review some guidelines to protect your employees and, by extension, your facility's successful summer.

The Dangers are Real 

• Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms like severe sweating, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness signal that your employee's body is struggling to regulate its temperature, which can quickly escalate [2]. 
• Heatstroke: This is a true medical emergency, with confusion, loss of consciousness, and dangerously high body temperature (103°F or higher). Heatstroke can be fatal if not treated swiftly [2]. 
• Sunburn: Unlike a typical thermal burn, sunburn symptoms might not appear immediately, usually peaking within 24-36 hours after exposure. Even mild sunburns can increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the most dangerous form [1,3]. 
• Cardiac Arrest Secondary to Hyperthermia: Extreme heat exposure can lead to cardiovascular collapse, even after body temperature has returned to normal. This poses a severe risk of cardiac arrest [5]. 
• Hypothermia and Heat Exhaustion (Water-Related): Both too-cold and too-hot water temperatures can lead to serious health risks for participants in aquatic activities. Discomfort, shivering, numbness, heat exhaustion, and other symptoms signal it's time to end a session [6]. 

Prevention is Key 

Investing in a proactive approach protects your employees and mitigates liability for your facility: 

• Engineering Controls 
• Shade, Shade, Shade! Build or install shade structures over lifeguard chairs, queue lines, employee break areas, etc. The CDC recommends shade that can block at least 75% of UV radiation [1]. 
• Fans and Misters: These help evaporate sweat, aiding cooling, especially in high-humidity areas [2]. 
• Water Access: Position easily accessible water stations throughout the facility. Encourage staff to use them before they feel thirsty [2]. 
• Ideal Water Temperatures: To ensure participant safety and comfort, follow the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council guidelines for the different types and intensity levels of your aquatic activities [6]. 
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 
• Sunscreen: Provide high SPF (30+), broad-spectrum sunscreen, and make re-application mandatory – at least every two hours, or more often if sweating heavily[1]. 
• Hats: Opt for wide-brimmed for maximum face, neck, and ear protection. 
• Sunglasses: Choose sunglasses with UV protection [1]. 
• Clothing: Lightweight, breathable, and light-colored fabrics are best. Consider UPF-rated sun-protective clothing for additional coverage [1]. 

Procedures 

• Rotation Schedules: Regular rotation of staff positions limits extended exposure in extreme heat. Breaks in shaded areas are encouraged [2]. 
• Hydration Breaks: Scheduled, mandatory water breaks are crucial. Advise staff to drink plenty of water throughout their shift, even if they don't feel thirsty [2]. 
• 'Buddy' System: Instruct staff to watch for signs of heat illness in their coworkers and remind each other to take breaks, hydrate, and reapply sunscreen. 
• Modify Activity: Adjust session duration activity intensity, and consider providing safe, non-restrictive clothing or head coverings depending on water and air temperatures [6]. 

Emergency Treatment 

• Exertional Heat Stroke Follow the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council guidance (See previous section for details) [4]. 
• Cardiac Arrest Secondary to Hyperthermia: Contact emergency medical services immediately [5]. 
• Begin CPR and utilize an AED if available [5]. 
• If possible, passive cooling techniques (e.g., ice packs and cool, damp cloths) should be initiated while performing CPR [5]. 
• Do not use water immersion, which impedes effective CPR [5]. 
• Hypothermia and Heat Exhaustion (Water-Related) Watch for signs and symptoms in course participants and staff. Move affected individuals to a safe area and adjust temperatures accordingly. Seek further medical attention if needed [6]. 

In conclusion, keeping your team and guests safe from heat and water hazards is key to a great summer season. Simple steps like providing shade, sunscreen, water breaks, and emergency training can make a big difference. Remember, a healthy team means happy guests. Let's make this summer safe, fun, and memorable for everyone! 

Sources 

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sunburn. 

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness. 

[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Skin Cancer Statistics. 

[4] American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Exertional Heat Stroke Advisory (Approved January 2023).  

[5] American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Cardiac Arrest Secondary to Hyperthermia Advisory (Approved June 2022).  

[6] American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Water Temperatures and ARC Aquatic Courses (Approved by ARC SAC June 2018). 

Miklos Valdez: As the Studio Director at Counsilman-Hunsaker, Miklos plays a crucial role in overseeing the Aquatic Management Program services. His primary responsibilities include conducting facility operations analysis and feasibility study analysis, ensuring optimal performance and safety of aquatic facilities.

With over a decade of experience in recreation and aquatics, Miklos has a rich background as a pool and waterpark operator. He has managed both indoor and outdoor facilities, including competition pools and fitness centers. His extensive expertise in facility management covers all aspects of aquatics operations, from maintaining pool chemicals to organizing swim meets.

Miklos holds a degree from Baylor University and is highly certified in his field. His certifications include Certified Pool Operator Instructor, Lifeguard Instructor Trainer, Aquatic Examiner, Water Safety Instructor, and CPR/First Aid Instructor Trainer. This diverse skill set underscores his commitment to excellence and safety in aquatics management.

Connect with Miklos | Email | LinkedIn

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