Preventive safety reduces accidents

In this era of high demand for public park and recreation services, severe budgetary and fiscal constraints, an abundance of attorneys and paralegal professionals and ever escalating liability insurance premiums, it was most distressing to read of yet another negotiated settlement totaling $9.5 million. This was given to Franklin P. Nelson, Jr., who fell from a tornado slide on September 1, 1978, at the Chicago Park District's Hamlin Park.

It was distressing enough to read of the negotiated settlement and to think of the precedence thereby established for other such accidents. But it was even more distressing to hear many suburban park districts react by suggesting that all tornado slides be removed from their respective park district playgrounds.

Since the claim for injuries was resolved through a negotiated structured settlement and not litigated, how can we surmise that the tornado slide was responsible for the injuries incurred by the then two-year-old Franklin P. Nelson, Jr.? We should instead raise the question of possible contributory negligence on the part of the parents. We should also question why a two-year-old child was playing on apparatus that, from its mere size, clearly demonstrates that it was designed for use by much older children.

There are no existing legislated standards for playground design, installation and/or surfacing. How can we further surmise that the courts would have found the park district, manufacturer or installer negligent in any manner relative to the design, installation or location of the tornado slide? Would the court have even found or deemed the tornado slide to be an attractive nuisance for a two-year-old child?

Many recreation professionals may personally believe that asphalt or other such hard surfaces are inappropriate and unacceptable for playground surfacing. However, we cannot say unequivocably that the courts would have determined such surfacing as contributory negligence on the part of the district.

If our reaction to this negotiated settlement is going to be the removal of all of our respective tornado slides, then we should also remove all other spiral slides, Mark IV playground apparatus, Natureville playground apparatus, monkey bars, space nets, bell towers, play boosters, water slides, tube slides, gymnastic equipment and every other apparatus that has an elevation greater than three feet. A fall from any of that equipment would sustain injuries.

Lifeguards need CPR training

Aquatic professionals agree unanimously that all water safety instructors and lifeguards should be currently certified in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). At this time, the American Red Cross does not require CPR training for lifeguards or water safety instructors. However, local Red Cross chapters are beginning to strongly recommend that certification be required for all aquatic staff members working at area facilities.

It is most desirable to hire only those aquatic applicants who are able to show documentation of current CPR certification. However, the lack of national standards (established by the American Red Cross) often makes it impractical to enforce such a hiring policy.

Aquatic supervisors and administrators unable to hire only staff members with current CPR certification should definitely require new staff to become certified for continued employment. In general, this is a realistic possibility considering the number and frequency of CPR courses offered on a local basis. If your programs are conducted in a smaller community where CPR is not offered frequently, it may become necessary to work with your local Red Cross or American Heart Association office to establish CPR courses specifically for your staff members.

As recreational professionals, it is our responsibility to make fellow administrators aware of the need for CPR certification in aquatics. Without CPR training, aquatic staff members are definitely not prepared for supervisory responsibilities.

If recovered within the first two to three minutes of submersion, more than 90 percent of drowning victims could be revived through properly applied CPR treatment.

Paul Daniels
Recreation Supervisor
Madison School-Community
Recreation Department
Madison, WI

Policy on letters The Illinois Parks and Recreation magazine welcomes letters from its readers. Letters should be written to the editor and they should discuss issues and /or events. They must include the writer's name, address and phone number. It is preferred that letters be limited to two double-spaced typewritten pages in length. The editor reserves the right to edit, condense or reject any letter that does not meet these requirements.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 6 March/April 1985

Please, before we undergo such a radical course of action, let us consider a positive and proactive approach to the problem and attempt to reduce the probability of such accidents occurring at our own respective district playgrounds. Let us design playgrounds that provide the necessary spatial relationships between apparatus which allow for both safe and active play. Let us purchase and install only those playground apparatus that are designed and manufactured with user safety being the top priority.

Let us design our playground sites to provide for the purchase and installation of playground apparatus that are designed for all respective age groups from toddlers through teens. Let us provide surfaces that are much softer than asphalt or concrete, such as pea gravel, sand or shredded hardwood bark mulch. Finally, let us also design, implement and administer a comprehensive weekly inspection and preventive maintenance program for all of our respective playground apparatus areas.

Even though all such actions cannot unequivocably prevent all future accidents from occurring, they can certainly significantly reduce the probability of such accidents. This will provide a much stronger defense and, ultimately, give each of us some comfort in the knowledge that we have taken those actions necessary and feasible in our attempts to alleviate such future accidents. Thank you.

George Whitehead
Director
Carbondale Park District

Editor's Note - The May/June issue of IPR will explore the subject of recreational safety. Articles about the recent lawsuit against the Chicago Park District, a new State law which could affect certain playground equipment and the role of park police officers are planned.

If your agency has adopted unique safety policies or purchased special materials and/or equipment, the IPR would like to know. Our copy deadline for the May/June issue is April 1.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 8 March/April 1985