Off-Site Aquatic Assessment: Questions to Consider

When picking out a venue to host off-site aquatic programming, we suggest that you go visit it in-person first. Below, we’ve created a list of specific questions that you can ask the location/facility. We encourage you to download and print the document above to use when vetting a potential off-site location.

Age & Skill 

• Are the facilities’ activities age and skill-level appropriate?
• Is the deep end clearly marked with a float rope or other demarcation?

Lifeguard Availability & Training 

• Are there certified lifeguards at the facility?
• Are there enough certified lifeguards to effectively guard all activities and areas of the water?
• Do the lifeguards go through regular in-service training?
• Are the lifeguards properly positioned to see all areas of the water?
• Are any special elements (slides, etc.) properly guarded and supervised?

Preparedness

• What are the facilities’ safety-response mechanisms?
• Does the facility have the proper equipment needed in the event of an emergency? (First aid stations, AED, oxygen, rescue tubes, etc.)

Swim Testing

• Does the facility swim test? If not, can we perform that upon arrival?
• Does the facility have enough life jackets of appropriate sizes for the youth in our programs? If not, can we bring our own?

Contractual Considerations 

• Will we be able to have a strong, comprehensive contract with the facility?
• Will the contract provide favorable risk transfer/indemnification?