Village of Orland Park's CPAC Begins Season with 5-Star Safety Audit

ORLAND PARK, IL - The Village of Orland Park Centennial Park Aquatic Center (CPAC) earned a five star award on its first risk management audit of the 2013 season. The Starfish Aquatics Institute (SAI) awarded the village’s water park a five star award following an unannounced risk management audit on Monday, June 18.

Swimming facilities are tested on a surprise basis with the auditor anonymously observing from outside of the facility, secretly videotaping the lifeguards. While the guards supervise the pool from their chairs, the auditor evaluates and grades the guards’ performances. The auditor studies how often the guards’ heads turn, scanning the pool from left, center and right, observes rotation changes and confirms that guards have hydration and shade.

Once the hidden audit is completed, the auditor’s presence is announced. The auditor then selects guards, team leaders and squad leaders to respond to mock emergency scenarios.

“The Village of Orland Park is very proud of its Centennial Park Aquatic Center and its staff,” said Mayor Dan McLaughlin. “The lifeguards work very hard to ensure a safe environment for everyone who visits the village’s water park,” the mayor added.

The Starfish Aquatics Institute is one of the largest lifeguard, swim instructor and pool operator certifying agencies in the United States. The institute’s certification program provides pool, water park and restricted waterfront lifeguards skills exceeding nationally recognized standards. Using an integrated curriculum of emergency skills, StarGuard lifeguards are trained to protect life or prevent further injury until emergency medical personnel arrive.

“Our water park has been the location of choice with the recent hot weather,” said Trustee Pat Gira, chair of the village’s Recreation Committee. “It’s been very busy at the pool and the guards are doing an excellent job,” she said.

CPAC guards evaluated during the observation evaluation included Lauren Klomes, Sadie McLean, Justin Richards and Scott Hammond. Those evaluated during a mock unconscious drowning included Rachel Harrington, Mike O’Malley and Dana Koning. Guards called upon to rescue a spinal injury included Matt Harrington, Chuck Passi and Mike O’Malley. Guard Rita Polson was called upon to perform individual CPR while Megan Melaniphy and Rita Polson had to demonstrate their bee sting/first aid skills.

The Village of Orland Park’s Centennial Park Aquatic Center is located at 15600 West Avenue and is open daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Further information about the center is available by calling 708/349-4FUN or by visiting the village’s website at www.orland-park.il.us.