Summer Safety Tips from VGM Insurance

June is Safety Month and our partner VGM Insurance is here to remind your club that when it comes to alleviating risk, planning and preparedness are key. For the majority of the United States, June is peak golf season. Matt Lindgren, Golf Program Manager for VGM Insurance, says "The risk for claims in the summer season is especially high, as pools become crowded, heat begins to intensify and your members, guests and employees are out in the sun for extended periods of time. It's important that your club adequately plans and prepares to alleviate some of the risk associated with these activities."

Take some time to read the excerpts provided below and learn how being prepared can help to keep your members, guests and employees safe.

Heat Awareness

"It's Hot. It's Humid. Your maintenance staff is working hard. Do you know the signs of heat-related illness?

Summertime is the peak season for golf and country clubs, which means hot summer weather makes outdoor work harder and more dangerous. At time, employees may be required to work in hot environments for long periods. When the human body is unable to maintain a normal temperature, heat-related illnesses can occur."

Heat Rash: Areas of the skin that itch intensely and feel prickly and swollen due to overheating. Sweat glands get plugged due to too much heat, humidity and sweat.

Heat Cramps: Painful muscle cramps, usually in the legs or near the stomach, are caused by losing too much salt through sweating. This is a warning that more serious heat illness can develop.

Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include headaches, dizziness or light headedness, weakness, mood changes, irritability, confusion or the inability to think clearly, nausea and vomiting, fainting, pale & clammy skin.

Heat Stroke: Dry, pale skin with no sweating; hot, red skin that looks sunburned; mood changes, irritability, confusion or the inability to think clearly or revive from an unconscious state. **Medical Emergency**

Prevention and Preparation Measures: Make drinking water readily available onsite and maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Develop safety plan and review with employees. Train workers on the common signs, symptoms, and emergency first aid.

Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothing. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and hat when working outside in the sun. Work in pairs and keep an eye on fellow workers. Drink a cup of water every 15-20 minutes. When possible, perform heaviest work during the coolest part of the day.

Read more from the marketing ventures publication here.

Pool Safety

It is important that your club takes the proper prevention and preparation measures to avoid injury in and around the pool area. Take a moment to read through the bullet points below and use it as a checklist for the summer going forward. From the Affinity Agency Group: Prevention and Preparation Measures:

• Install and maintain perimeter fencing/barrier including self-closing and latching gates to prevent unauthorized access.
• Determine if a Red Cross certified lifeguard is required for your pool.
• If no lifeguard is required, be sure required signage is clearly displayed.
• Keep all safety equipment accessible, clearly marked and in good repair.
• Clearly mark pool depth.
• Provide clean shower and bathroom facilities.
• Keep pool clear of debris.
• Properly maintain pool water with appropriate chemicals.
• Provide safe storage for all chemicals.
• Supply personal protective equipment and training for anyone handling pool chemicals.
• Provide clear signage to convey rules, regulation, safety, emergency procedures.
• Keep pool deck free of puddles or algae growth.
• Ensure non-slip surfaces are in good repair at all times.
• Maintain outdoor furniture in clean, operable conditions.
• If minor children are allowed, establish clear rules about supervision.
• Ensure staff strictly enforces all rules policies.

These safety tips can help to protect your club's reputation and keep your members, guests and employees safe during the busy summer season. It's important to take these risks seriously and proactively approach the safety measures mentioned above. For more information about VGM Insurance contact your VGM Club Rep.