Key Splash Pad Risk Management Issues | June 27th, 2019

June 27th, 2019

Whether you want to make your hotel or resort more appealing to families, or you want to increase property values in the residential projects you’re building, or you want to offer something different in a municipal park or playground, spray/splash pads are a fun solution.

But, while their popularity and fun quotient are very high, it’s not like there are no splash pad risk management issues for owners and operators to consider.

Of course, every water facility has its inherent risks. But spray pads are generally considered safer, less risky installations than larger water parks or swimming pools. There is no deep water, life jackets aren’t required and children (and adults!) of all swim levels can enjoy the water features.

Splash Pad Risk Management Considerations

While water play is fun, the result of poor spray park management can expose your organization to serious risk. While you can never take too many precautions to protect yourself and your guests, the following are just a few of the key considerations to minimize your spray park risk exposure.

1) Choose the Right Splash Pad Equipment – With risks related to water as the main concern, many park managers can neglect to be as thorough when it comes to the play equipment they choose. From designs that minimize pinch-points, protrusions and other injury-causing elements, to non-skid materials with minimal electrical conductivity and heat reflection, make equipment safety as much a priority as any.

2) Consider the Risks of a Recirculating Water Supply – Recirculating water supplies may reduce water utility costs, but you must be prepared to properly treat the recirculated water. E. Coli and other bacteria are highly resistant and it can take many passes through treatment to completely clean the water.

3) The Key Basics – While the first two risks we’ve mentioned aren’t at the top of everyone’s risk management issues, we really can’t post about risks without mentioning the important basics. From keeping safety as the main priority of your splash pad design and developing, posting and enforcing standard rules of play and safety, to maintaining nearby safety and first aid equipment, regularly testing the water and having proper emergency and fouling procedures in place, like we said, you can’t do too much to minimize the risks of managing a water park.

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