2021 Aquaglide USA Operational Guidance by Watersports World UK

OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES - COMMERCIAL AQUAPARKS

OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES for Commercial Aquaparks

March 12, 2021 - v.2.2021 All information contained in this document is private, confidential and is not to be used without Aquaglide’s consent. Copyright Aquaglide 2021 – Private & Confidential 1 Page

OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES - COMMERCIAL AQUAPARKS

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION

2. ORGANIZATIONAL GUIDELINES

A. Aquapark Design and Installation

B. Aquapark Capacity & Staffing

C. Ticketing Method

D. Staff Positions

E. Operational Checklists and Forms

F. Emergency Action Plan

G. Staff Training/ Certification

H. Safety Signage

3. STAFF PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

A. Opening procedures

B. Operating guidelines

C. Closing procedures

D. Implementation of EAP

Annex A: Examples - Operational Circumstances

Annex B: Example - Employee Agreement

Annex C: Example - Incident Report Form

Annex D: Example - Liability Waiver Form

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1. INTRODUCTION The following guidelines and recommendations are intended solely as a starting-point in developing site-specific procedures for the operation of a commercial aquapark. Each aquapark has a myriad of variables to consider for safe operation and this information does not attempt to cover all of them. The operational circumstances for your specific aquapark will help to determine which guidelines should be incorporated into your operational plan. These global guidelines are suggested by Aquaglide as a manufacturer of aquapark products. It is not our intention to handcuff the operation of any commercial aquapark by imposing excessive structure in operational guidelines. Our mission here is to offer a solid basis of content to consider and hopefully to help operators develop safer guidelines. This information can never replace your local knowledge of the physical site and the specific operational circumstances. Local knowledge is imperative in crafting a comprehensive set of guidelines that makes sense for you. Consequently, we encourage operators to involve staff and management in crafting the guidelines. Not only will this result in better, more relevant system, but having buy-in from the people who use the guidelines will significantly increase the chances of compliance. See Annex A for additional guidance.

2. ORGANIZATIONAL GUIDELINES A. Aquapark Design and Installation Before installation, carefully review safety guidelines, design parameters and mooring guidelines for your specific aquapark items and consider how these apply to your site and type of use. Be certain to find out about local and/ or regional regulations that may apply. Confirm safety parameters are met, including:

• Confirm that the products used to create the aquapark are certified compliant with product safety standard such as EN 15649 or ISO 25649. • Confirm available water depth meets or exceeds minimum water depth required for each item. » Check to see how daily/ monthly tidal fluctuations may affect water depth. » Check to see how seasonal fluctuations may affect water depth. • Confirm adequate mooring provisions for each item and aquapark as a whole: » Check slope and type of seabed » Check local water conditions – wave action, fetch, tides, currents » Check local weather conditions – prevailing winds, storms, squalls, lightning • Review traffic patterns to confirm the following: » Adequate boarding/ de-boarding zones for park capacity » Adequate traffic flow for park capacity (no bottlenecks) » User zones grouped by type to reduce conflict » Adequate means of re-boarding within easy reach

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B. Aquapark Capacity & Staffing Outline this aquapark’s maximum capacity and staff practices for managing capacity including: • • •

Quantify maximum users at one time (based on aquapark capacity, staff and safety) Specify maximum number of users per lifeguard (i.e. 20:1 or 30:1 operational maximum) Make provisions for adequate staff/ lifeguards to ensure user safety (i.e. 165 user capacity = MINIMUM 6 guards plus support staff when at max. capacity)

C. Ticketing Method Consider your goals as well as the type of users and outline an acceptable method of ticketing and staff management of users. Some options and points to consider: • Unlimited day-pass » requires staff to maintain ongoing user count • Hourly pass (individual) » requires rotation of all users on/ off the park on hourly/ periodic basis • Hourly pass (group) Group rotation » requires rotation of some or all users on/ off the park on hourly/ periodic basis » OR staff monitoring of wristbands on the aquapark.

D. Staff Positions Develop staff placement plan to ensure that all needs are met, and that lifeguard positions and staff duties are clearly thought out. Some staff positions include: • Introductory Staff » Greets users, informs about ticketing system. » Tickets all users. » Collects user liability waiver. » Conducts safety briefing for all users. » Fits PFD for all users. • Stationary Lifeguards » Responsible for specific aquapark coverage area. - Map stationary zones based on aquapark design. - Consider visibility from each stationary position. - Consider possible number of users in each designated stationary zone. • Transient Lifeguards » Responsible for walking/ paddling a specified path and aquapark coverage area. - Map transient zones and lifeguard path based on aquapark design. - Consider possible number of users in each designated transient zone.

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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES - COMMERCIAL AQUAPARKS • Cleaning and Maintenance Staff » Allow staffing for (at least) periodic cleaning and maintenance.

E. Operational Checklists and Forms Develop management plan and staff procedure checklists for daily setup, inspection and operations including: • Opening inspection checklist » Inspect aquapark and confirm checklist points such as: - PFD’s clean, dry, inspected free of wear, arranged by size - Proper working pressure on all inflated items - Tight connections between all items – no gaps at all - No excessive wear on aquapark items, connecting straps and mooring lines - No excessive marine growth on any items - Clear the aquapark - remove remaining trash, clothing or debris - Confirm acceptable water quality, possible PH test or other chemical analysis. • Safety and first-aid gear checklist » Rescue tubes/ cans » Lifeguard whistles » First-aid kits » Rescue boards » Spinal support » Defibrillator » Oxygen » Megaphone » Two-way radios or other communication devices » Support pack (sunscreen, energy bars, etc.) • Emergency call list including numbers for: » Ambulance » Hospital » Police » Fire & rescue » Children & Families » Operational Management • Operations Manual outlining operational guidelines for staff (in case of questions/ uncertainty). • Incident reporting guidelines and Incident report form. • Communications standard. Consider methods of communication such as: » Two-way radio » Cell phone two-way apps (i.e. zello) » Whistle signal system » Hand signal system

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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES - COMMERCIAL AQUAPARKS • Cleaning and maintenance checklist » Specify timeframe for regular cleaning (depends on your local conditions) » Specify maintenance/ inspection points such as: - Clean bottom, mesh and sliding surfaces using.... - Inspect for wear - Inspect for air-holding - Patch any leaks using.... - Apply UV protectant periodically using.... (depends on your local conditions) • Closing procedures » Security sweep for users » Cleaning/ removing debris » Closing aquapark access » Ensure night-time security/ means to prevent unauthorized use of facility » Inspect, sort, clean & dry PFD’s » List any safety tools in need of replacement (first aid supplies, etc.) » List any aquapark items in need of cleaning/ maintenance

F. Emergency Action Plan Develop an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) including clear steps for staff procedures in the event of: • User Injury/ Illness • Severe weather • Emergency

G. Staff Training/ Certification Develop a management plan for Staff Training/ Certification including: • • • • • •

CPR/ Emergency First Aid. Lifeguarding Certifications & related requirements. Review/ testing of content in Operations Manual and Emergency Action Plan (EAP). Operational Training w/ testing and review. Periodic In-service training (refreshers). Staff Meetings for periodic review and discussion of all operational/ safety points

H. Safety Signage Develop a plan to display adequate site-specific signage to communicate risks and outline acceptable user behavior, including: • Warnings » Risk of drowning - Only for swimmers

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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES - COMMERCIAL AQUAPARKS • Prohibitions » No users under 5 years old » Do not dive headfirst » Do not enter if water is not clear of other users » Do not climb or swim below other users » Do not overload any single item » Do not swim underneath any item » Do not use when under the influence of drugs or alcohol » Do not use when lifeguard is not on duty » No pushing or rough play • Mandatory Actions » Always wear a PFD (DEPENDS on local regulations) » Minimum height - 4’0” (122cm) » Maximum height - 6’11” (213cm) » Parental supervision required - (age depends on staff and local regulations) » Always slide feet first » Always use caution » Always be aware and considerate of other users » Always give smaller children the right of way

3. STAFF PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES In addition to checklists and forms, develop specific written guidelines for staff & lifeguard responsibilities. This becomes the basis for your Operations Manual. Consider the following points:

A. Opening procedures • Inspect aquapark and confirm checklist points such as: » PFD’s clean, dry, free of wear and arranged by size » Proper working pressure on all inflated items » Tight connections between all items – no gaps at all » No excessive wear on aquapark items, connecting straps and mooring lines » No excessive marine growth on any items » Clear the aquapark - remove remaining trash, clothing or debris • Safety and first-aid gear in place including: » Rescue tubes/ cans » Lifeguard whistles » First-aid kits » Rescue boards » Spinal support » Defibrillator » Oxygen » Megaphone » Two-way radios or other communication devices » Support pack (sunscreen, energy bars, etc.) Copyright Aquaglide 2021 – Private & Confidential

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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES - COMMERCIAL AQUAPARKS • Emergency call list in place including numbers for: » Ambulance » Hospital » Police » Fire & rescue » Children & Families » Operational Management • Confirm adequate staff in place for anticipated number of users • Update checklist for items requiring cleaning / maintenance

B. Operating guidelines Designate ongoing responsibilities and procedures for: • Greeting » Explain capacity and aquapark access – rotation scheme » Collect and maintain liability waivers • Ticketing/ Capacity management » Ongoing user count (designate staff/ method for accurate count) » Hourly rotation (set time for rotation and coordinate staff actions) • User safety briefings » Cover all site-specific rules and guidelines for safe use, including: - Warnings - Prohibitions - Mandatory Actions • PFD fitting » Inspect each PFD to ensure fit and full function » Ensure each user is fitted properly before entering aquapark • Stationary Lifeguards » Specify which aquapark zones to cover » Ensure adequate visibility for coverage area » Make arrangements for covering areas w/o adequate visibility » Ensure adequate tools/ plan to aid in an emergency » Discuss plan for rotation of staff/ breaks • Transient lifeguards » Specify which aquapark zones to cover » Cover areas where stationary guards have in-adequate visibility » Ensure adequate tools/ plan to aid in an emergency » Discuss plan for rotation of staff/ breaks

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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES - COMMERCIAL AQUAPARKS • Cleaning and ongoing inspection/ maintenance » Specify items to clean/ maintain. » Specify steps to take for normal cleaning/ maintenance. » Coordinate w/ lifeguards to safely remove, maintain and return items. » Ensure secure mooring lines, adequate pressure, all connections, no gaps. • Scheduling » Plan for rotation of staff/ breaks.

C. Closing procedures • Security sweep for users • Cleaning/ removing debris • Closing aquapark access • Ensure night-time security/ means to prevent unauthorized use of facility • Inspect, sort, clean & dry PFD’s • List any safety tools in need of replacement (first aid supplies, etc.) • List any aquapark items in need of cleaning/ maintenance

D. Implementation of Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Develop specific written guidelines for management of key safety points including: • Injury/ illness » Assess situation » Notify other staff » Act » Report • Actions of other lifeguards when a guard is called to assist with an injury or illness » Manage users » Support rescue » Communicate » Assist with report (if necessary) • Water quality assessment » What to do in the event of unidentified floating debris (i.e. feces or illness) - Management of users - clear the water - Management of water quality - When/ how to call “all clear”

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• Severe weather » What conditions constitute severe weather? - Lightning - specify proximity - Strong winds (i.e. over 20 kts) - Large waves/ swell (that could cause lack of stability) - Heavy rain/ hail » Who makes the call to action in the event of severe weather? » How should staff manage users? - Immediate evacuation of aquapark - Temporary suspension of aquapark access - Scheduled closing of aquapark access » Consider situations - Lightning in the immediate vicinity - Thunder heard in the distance - Forecast for thunder-storms - Imminent or current squall - Squalls or severe weather forecasted » How should staff manage aquapark in the event of severe weather? Consider: - Removing items from the water, especially larger items - Reducing windage by partial deflation, especially larger items - Adding anchors/ additional mooring security

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Annex A The degree to which the points in this document are relevant to your commercial aquapark may vary depending on your specific circumstances, in particular the park capacity and type of users. In general, smaller capacity aquaparks can simplify their operational guidelines and still ensure user safety. The greater the park capacity the more structured guidelines need to be in order to consistently maintain user safety. Some aquaparks deemed commercial can be said to have private-type users. This includes camps and some resorts where aquapark users are trained on appropriate use of the aquapark and then return on an on-going basis. In such settings, operational guidelines can be somewhat less structured, particularly if aquapark capacity is small. In general, more structure is required where users are of a more public-type.

Examples of Various Operational Circumstances 1. A waterfront homeowner with a small aquapark in front of his/ her property. The aquapark is intended for private use by the homeowner’s family, friends and neighbors. This is not a commercial aquapark. While these commercial guidelines do not apply, the prudent homeowner may still want to consider crafting rules for acceptable behavior and making an emergency action plan in case of injury. 2. A seasonal activity camp with 150 – 200 campers rotating through a small aquapark 20-30 users at a time. Campers are trained on safe use of the aquapark during orientation. The camp has an existing EAP in place. In this circumstance it may be sufficient to have 1 camp counselor/ lifeguard observing from shore and managing user activity by verbal commands. Many of the guidelines relevant to highervolume commercial aquaparks are not relevant in this case. 3. A small to moderately-sized aquapark operated seasonally by municipal Parks & Recreation department. Although the aquapark starts small (50-75 user capacity) it is a popular activity, typically operating at full capacity during the warm summer months. The aquapark is expanded annually to accommodate increasing demand. This is a case where operational guidelines and staffing need to evolve and expand with demand and capacity of the aquapark. Management should revise and formalize the operational guidelines at least with each phase of expansion, and possibly when the aquapark is regularly approaching full capacity (prior to the next phase of expansion). 4. A large-capacity (150+ user) commercial aquapark operates as a paid amenity at a time-share resort. The aquapark rarely operates near full capacity, so it is more convenient for staff to keep an ongoing count of aquapark users. Although many of the operational guidelines are relevant, the type of users, generally long-term guests, helps to determine the ticketing structure for the aquapark. Here it may be more convenient for guests to buy half/ all-day access passes. Furthermore, the semi-private nature of the users allows this aquapark to function safely with a somewhat looser operational structure. 5. An extra-large capacity (200+ user) commercial aquapark operates as a concession on a popular local beach with high traffic. Here again, many of the operational guidelines are relevant, but the type of users may determine the ticketing structure. In this case managing park users and aquapark capacity may require a ticketing scheme that rotates users on an hourly basis. Aquapark access can be granted by color-coded wristbands: one color for all-day access, other colors for one, two or three-hour passes. Users are rotated out of the park hourly to free-up capacity for new users. Copyright Aquaglide 2021 – Private & Confidential

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Annex B In some cases it may be beneficial to ask aquapark employees to confirm their understanding of the operational guidelines and acknowledge their role in implementing them. Below is an example of an employee agreement.

Example - Employee Agreement I, _____________________________________ have read and understand the Aquapark Operations Manual for the ________ operating season.

NL O E L

I understand all of the policies and procedures, rules of conduct and responsibilities written therein.

P M A EX

I agree to abide by said policies and procedures, rules of conduct and responsibilities and realize that my failure to do so may result in disciplinary action or dismissal. I also understand that I will be periodically tested on any or all of the information contained in this manual, and that failure to pass these periodic tests are grounds for disciplinary action.

NL O E L

M EXA

Employee’s Signature______________________________________Date_______________________________ Employee’s Name (pri nt)_______________________________________________________________________

NL O E L

M EXA

Facility (circle one - if more than one aquapark is in operation): Aquapark at ________________________

Aquapark at ________________________

LY N O E

P M A EX

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Annex C In many cases it is a good idea to standardize reporting of incidents in the aquapark. Below is an example of an incident report form.

Example - Incident Report Form Type of Incident (mark one): Serious Injury

Moderate Injury

Light Injury

Illness

PERSONAL DETAILS of those injured/ involved

NL O E L

M EXA

Incident

Close Call

Observation

Suggestion

Name (reporting employee)______________________________________ Date___________________________ _ Name (person involved)____________________________________Contact Info____________________________

LY N O E

L P M XA

Name (others involved)___________________________________Contact Info____________________________

INCIDENT DETAILS

Incident Location_____________________________________Incident Date/ Time_________________________

ON E L P

Name (witness)__________________________________________Contact Info____________________________ _ Name (witness)__________________________________________Contact Info____________________________ _ Description of incident __________________________________________________________________________

EXA

Y L N ______________________________________________________________________________________________ EO L P ______________________________________________________________________________________________ XAM *(please useEback of form if more space is needed to describe the incident) ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Conclusions as to the CAUSE of the incident ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________

NL O E L

______________________________________________________________________________________________ *(please use back of form if more space is needed to describe conclusions)

M EXA

TO BE COMPLETED ONLY IF FIRST AID WAS REQUIRED

LY N O E

TYPE OF INJURY SUSTAINED

P M A EX

CAUSE OF LOST TIME/ INJURY OR FIRST AID WAS ADDITIONAL MEDICAL TREATMENT NECESSARY?

Yes________ No________

Name of hospital or physician:

Signature of Reporting Employee ___________________________________Date___________________________ Signature of Supervisor ____________________________________________Date___________________________ Copyright Aquaglide 2021 – Private & Confidential

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Annex D Example - Liability Waiver Form

L N O LE

WARNING! By signing this document you will waive certain legal rights, including the right to sue in certain circumstances outlined in this agreement, Please read carefully.

M EXA

This is a binding legal agreement: therefore, clarify any questions or concerns before signing. As a Participant participating on the water parks, Swimming, Climbing, Jumping, Sliding, etc. (collectively the “Activities”), the undersigned, being the Participant(s) and, if applicable, the Parent/ Guardian of the Participant(s) (collectively the “Participants”) acknowledge and agree to the following terms: 1. I expressly agree and promise to accept and assume all of the risks existing in this activity. My participation on the activity is purely voluntary and I elect to participate in spite of the risks. Additionally, I agree to wear an approved personal floatation device (life jacket, certified by the authorities in my area) throughout the entire participation of this event.

LY N O E

MP A X E

2. I hereby voluntarily release, forever discharge and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Parties, from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action which are in any way connected with my participation in this activity or my use of the Parties equipment, or facilities, including any such claims which includes negligent acts or omission of the Parties. 3. Should the Parties or anyone acting on their behalf, be required to incur attorney’s fees and costs to enforce this agreement, I agree to indemnify and hold the Parties harmless for all such fees and costs.

NL O E L

4. Participating on a Water Park involves know and unanticipated risks that could result in physical or emotional injury, paralysis, death or damage to myself, property or third parties. I understand that such risks simply cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities of the activity. I relinquish the right to sue in the case of injury or death due to an honest mistake or outright negligence by the Parties or their employees. The risks include, among other things: slips, falls, head injuries, being struck by equipment, struck by other participants, forces of nature including extremes of weather, lightning, and rapid weather changes, exposure to sun, heat stroke, strong wind, cold, large waves, eddies and whirlpools, tidal conditions, surf and currents, the risk of collision with objects or watercraft, the risk of capsizing and entrapment within the water park, drowning, the risk of exposure to insect bites, injury or illness in remote areas of the water park, aggressive and or poisonous marine life, marine life that is sharp and or slippery, risk of injury, arm, shoulder and or back injuries, my own physical condition, accidental drowning and the physical exertion associated with these activities. Furthermore, the employees of this water park have difficult jobs to perform. They seek safety but are they not infallible. They are unaware of a participant’s fitness or abilities. They might misjudge the weather or other environmental conditions. They may give incomplete warnings or instructions and the equipment being used may malfunction.

M EXA

L N O LE

M EXA

5. I certify that I have adequate insurance to cover injury or damage I may cause or suffer while participating, or else I agree to bear the cost of such injury or damage myself. I further certify that I am willing to assume all risks or any medical or physical condition(s) I may have. I assume full responsibility for any loss of personal property (camera, glasses, wallets, shoes, phones, watches, etc.) and any costs associated with said loss. 6. In the event that I file a lawsuit against the Parties, I agree to do so solely in the state/ province/ country that this water park operates, and I further agree that the substantive law of the state/ province/ country shall apply in that action without regard to the conflict of law rule of that state/ province/ country. I agree that if any portion of this agreement is found to be void or unenforceable, the remaining document shall remain in full force and effect. By signing this document, I acknowledge that if anyone is hurt or property is damaged during my participation in the activity, I may be found by a court of law to have waived my right to maintain a lawsuit against the Parties, on the basis of any claim from which I have released them herein. I have had sufficient opportunity to read this entire document. I have read and understood it, and I agree to be bound by its terms.

L N O LE

M EXA

7. I understand that any photograph, sound recording, or video taken of me under this assignment is for the sole purpose of collecting and or representing factual information in the interest of serving the good work of this water park in education, legal matters and public good.

LY N O E

8. I hereby assign to this water park, all rights title, and interest, including copyright, in and to any and all such photographs, sound recordings or videos, and I hereby irrevocably authorize this water park, its officers, agents, business partners and employees, without limitation, including but not limited to any and all claims for invasion of privacy to reproduce, copy, exhibit, publish, or distribute, in any medium now known or later developed, any and all such photographs, sound recordings, or videos in perpetuity for the purposes expressed above.

MP A X E

9. For subjects under 18 years of age: by signing this document, I hereby certify that I am the parent or guardian of the persons / participants named, and I do hereby give my consent without reservation to the foregoing on behalf of him or her. By signing below. I acknowledge that I have freely and voluntarily entered into this agreement.

M EXA

ALL PARTICIPANTS ON THE WATER PARK EQUIPMENT AGREE TO THIS WAIVER AGREEMENT.

NL O E L

The Participants acknowledge that they have read this agreement and understand it, that they have executed this agreement voluntarily, and that this agreement is to be binding upon themselves, their heirs, executors, administrators and representatives. PARTICIPANT (1) NAME ___________________________________________ PARTICIPANT (2) NAME _______________________________________

L N O LE

PARENT/ GUARDIAN NAME _______________________________________ PHONE_____________________________________________________ (If Participant under 18 years of age)

M EXA

SIGNATURE______________________________________________________ DATE________________________________________________________ (Adult Participant OR Parent/ Guardian if Participant under 18 years of age)

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