Source: National Swimming Pool Foundation
Colorado Springs, Colorado, May 3, 2012 - The Aquatic Risk Management (ARM) online training course developed by the National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) is now available in Spanish and can be accessed on the NSPF website, www.nspf.org/online training, or by clicking on this link. The course features video, images, narration and exercises, and includes the Aquatic Risk Management Handbook in Spanish. The Aquatic Risk Management course is the first of its kind for native Spanish speakers around the globe. Designed to help managers and operators protect customers and staff and to reduce risk and liability, the course takes about 2-hours, costs $50.00 U.S. per student, and includes a record of completion once the exam is successfully passed.
"The guidance provided in the Aquatic Risk Management course is applicable globally and will suit most aquatic installations around the world," explained Silvia Uribe, NSPF International Coordinator. "Aquatic facility managers and risk management personnel will be able to identify, develop, implement, employ rules, and establish practices that will help them achieve the important task of ensuring the health and safety of their patrons, staff, and the facility."
"Attaining financial success at aquatic facilities can be a balancing act. Management must have excellent programming and marketing to attract customers. And, it is critical that personnel manage risk since drowning, disease, chemical exposure, and injuries jeopardize customer loyalty and can bankrupt the facility and destroy careers," stressed Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D., CEO of the National Swimming Pool Foundation.
The interactive course enhances learning, and allows students to work through a series of topics, along with case studies that are fully illustrated, with photos and examples throughout. Participants will find a discussion of the aquatic risk management process and content on the following topics:
The Law and the Aquatic Professional - In any legal case involving personal injury, several factors are considered to determine whether a case has merit and whether damages are awarded. These factors are explained in the course: Negligence Law; Standard of Care; Duty of Care, Breach of Duty; Proximate Cause. Case Studies - Five case studies illustrate how judgments are reached in a variety of incidences: Diving injury, motel pool drowning, chemical exposure, motel diving injury, waterpark slide injury. Aquatic Risk Management - Best practices are discussed, including maintaining a high quality of work; staff hiring and training; maintaining equipment and record keeping. This section also includes a suggested daily operator record checklist and an opening and closing checklist. Implementing a Risk Management Plan - Factors in identifying risks, how to evaluate and manage the risk, including recommendations on informational signage. Costs, liability issues and legal mandates (codes and regulations) are also covered. Emergency Response Plans -This includes an explanation of staff member roles and responsibilities for the Emergency Response Team and examples of incidents that would require an emergency response plan.
Register for the Aquatic Risk Management online training course by calling 719-540-9119. Spanish speakers may also contact Silvia Uribe, NSPF International Coordinator at silvia.uribe@nspf.org or by SKYPE Silvia.Uribe1.
About NSPF®The National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) is a non-profit organization founded in 1965, giving back over $4 million in the past eight years to fund grants to prevent illness, injury, and drowning, and to demonstrate the health benefits of aquatic activity. The Foundation works towards its mission to enhance healthy living by increasing aquatic activity through aquatic education and research and with its collection of multilingual educational products and training. NSPF is the leading educator for professionals who service and operate public and private pools and spas and for public health officials who are responsible for pool safety. To learn more, go to www.nspf.org.
