AusLeisure

Following a number of waterslide incidents in New Zealand, aquatic and recreation facilities contractor Community Leisure Management (CLM) has implemented a new policy for their safe operation.

The policy, being adopted at all CLM sites that operate waterslides, includes:

• One lifeguard to be stationed at a point where they can release the riders when the previous rider has exited the plunge pool.
• Riders line up in two lines; these lines determine which shoot the riders will enter (applicable for sites with tandem slides)
• Only one rider will be released by a lifeguard per slide at any time.
• Children under eight years of age are not permitted to the ride the waterslides. This is in line with the PoolSafe Quality Management Scheme, an industry standard in facility operation and management.
• Adults are not to be joined with children and ride together. At no time should two people be riding the shoot together.

Guidelines within the policy came from a review of safe waterslide operations conducted with the New Zealand Department of Labour. The review, conducted on previous procedures and recommendations, involved all CLM (Community Leisure Management) aquatic business managers discussing all issues surrounding waterslide safety along with individual issues that different facilities faced. From this group of people, a sub-committee was formed to further discuss the policies and principles that surround the use of waterslides within the facilities.

Part of the process of implementing these changes, involved extensive training by facility management and supervisors to ensure consistency and that the new policies are implemented, and wavering or not adhering to these principles would not be acceptable.

CLM's Human Resources and Marketing Manager Annalies Donald explains that initially "response to the new policy from some patrons was perceived to be negative. However, once staff were able to communicate the reasons behind the changes and improvements the patrons understood that the changes were to ensure an increase in the safety for patrons while riding the 'hydro slide'."

CLM have also encountered parents disappointed at the eight year old age requirement to ride the slides. However, Donald explains "after discussions with the Department of Labour, the policy will remain at this age limit, as CLM prides itself on delivering a high safety level within its facilities."

CLM manages 35 aquatic, fitness and recreation facilities in New Zealand.

For more information go to www.clmnz.co.nz/corporate/

Slide image used for illustrative purposes only.

15th November 2010 - BRETT JUDE JOINS CLM AS FRANKLIN SPORT SWIM AND FITNESS MANAGER

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