Swim Safety: Help Your Group Enjoy a Day in the Sun

Swimming is a timeless summer activity. Regardless of whether your group visits a pool, recreation center, ocean, or pond, keep the following safety precautions in mind to assure safety as your group enjoys fun in the sun.

Location inspection

Start by checking your location for safety concerns.

  • If your group plans to use a natural body of water, scout your swimming area for hazards, such as drop-offs and strong currents. Also check the area for dangerous wildlife.
  • Before activities begin, advise your group about potential dangers and rules of conduct.

 

Monitoring safety

Make sure someone keeps an eye on your swimmers at all times.

  • Ideally, your group should employ at least one lifeguard, someone who possesses certifications in water rescue techniques and knows how to recognize signs of swimmer distress.
  • If employing a lifeguard is not feasible, ask adult chaperones to supervise your swimming area. Your group should have at least one CPR-certified adult.
  • The larger your group and swimming area, the more pairs of eyes you need.

 

Skill levels

Create a certification test to gauge your swimmers’ skill levels.

  • Young children and inexperienced swimmers should wade no deeper than neck level.
  • Consider using colored wristbands to help your chaperones monitor inexperienced swimmers.
  • Keep in mind that water wings, noodles, and other “floaties” do not constitute lifesaving devices.

 

Set up your program for safety

Create your break schedule, define your swimming area, and provide supervision with safety in mind.

  • Pair all swimmers, and conduct buddy checks every 30 minutes to ensure that all swimmers are accounted for.
  • Schedule breaks to ensure that swimmers have a chance to rest, cool down, or warm up.
  • Make sure your swimmers stay within a defined area, so chaperones can see them clearly.
  • Stay attuned to weather developments. Clear your swimming area, and move everyone to shelter if a storm approaches.
  • Bring extra water, sunscreen, and first-aid equipment.

 

These guidelines will help keep your group’s activity schedule rolling smoothly and go a long way to averting the risks inherent in water activities.

November 7, 2023
Three common pitfalls that may be hidden in your church's lease
Three Common Pitfalls That May Be Hidden In Your Church's Lease

One positive aspect of today’s challenged economy is the availability of underutilized or empty commercial space. Before your ministry takes the plunge into a lease agreement, we want to make sure you're well-informed and prepared to avoid some common pitfalls.

Tags: ministry, lease, property
November 7, 2023
Insurance Companies Are Forced To Respond To Unprecedented Market Strain. What Does This Mean For You?
Insurance Companies Are Forced To Respond To Unprecedented Market Strain. What Does This Mean For You?

In this month's perspective on the insurance market, I wanted to talk about the massive upward trending we are seeing in cancellation of policies.  Our agency has observed a remarkable surge in inquiries from churches not currently under our insurance coverage. These churches are facing non-renewal by their existing carriers, a trend that has expanded beyond the norm of non-renewals due to excessive losses. Instead, carriers are now opting not to renew based on the risk profile of the ministry, which encompasses factors like geography, insured value, and construction type.

Tags: market strain, weather, catastrophic losses, renewal, risk
November 7, 2023
Umbrella for a Rainy Day
Umbrella for a Rainy Day

There are so many insurance policies to consider when it comes to protecting your ministry, and keeping track of each one’s coverages can be a mind-numbing task. One that I often hear confusion about is the Excess Liability policy, more commonly referred to as an Umbrella. While these terms aren’t exactly interchangeable in the broader insurance world, they do have a lot of overlap. For purposes of understanding your Brotherhood Mutual policy, they are basically synonymous.

Tags: ministry protection, coverages, liability, umbrella policy
October 6, 2023
The Crucial Role of Key Man Life Insurance for Church Pastors
The Crucial Role of Key Man Life Insurance for Church Pastors

In recent times, our team has observed a growing demand for key man life insurance, particularly within the realm of church leadership. Pastors are the spiritual pillars of their congregations, providing guidance, support, and a sense of community. While their spiritual contributions are invaluable, it's equally important to consider their financial well-being and the stability of the church should an unforeseen tragedy occur.

Tags: finance, security, church pastor, community
October 6, 2023
Wellbeing Resources for Ministry Leaders
Wellbeing Resources for Ministry Leaders

The holiday season is fast approaching, and it's time to prepare for the festive cheer, delicious food, twinkling lights, and heartwarming gatherings. But amidst all the joy and celebration, let's take a moment to reflect on something essential - the well-being of our ministry leaders.

Tags: full strength network, counseling, church pastor, pastoral counseling
October 6, 2023
Stop Plumbing Leaks with FloLogic
Stop Plumbing Leaks with FloLogic

Water damage due to plumbing leaks and frozen pipes is a leading cause of property claims for ministries. The damage is often made worse because ministry buildings are typically not in use every day. Last year, nearly 1,000 Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company customers were impacted. To help protect ministries from experiencing costly water damage and disruptions, Brotherhood Mutual® recommends FloLogic, a comprehensive solution that can detect even the smallest water leak and automatically shut off the water to prevent flooding. 

Tags: flologic, leaks, water damage, prevention
September 8, 2023
Fluorescent Lighting: The End of An Era
Fluorescent Lighting: The End of An Era

Let's take a stroll down memory lane to 1938 when General Electric made a groundbreaking move by introducing fluorescent tubes to the world. Even though the technology had been brewing since the late 1880s, it took time and the genius of several inventors to make it shine as a practical product.

Tags: church payroll, finance, IRS regulations, paying employees, tax code
September 8, 2023
God's Sovereignty or Wise Planning?
God's Sovereignty or Wise Planning?

We are living in a day and age of tremendous uncertainty. Like Joseph in Egypt, the physical world is incredibly unpredictable.

Tags: church payroll, finance, IRS regulations, paying employees, tax code
September 8, 2023
Why Some Churches are Rethinking their Financial Planning
Why Some Churches are Rethinking their Financial Planning

In the ever-changing realm of finances, the past few years have brought forth a whirlwind of alterations. Looking ahead, the next five years promise their fair share of surprises and uncertainties.

Tags: church payroll, finance, IRS regulations, paying employees, tax code
September 8, 2023
HR360: Your Essential Guide to Navigating Ministry-Specific HR Challenges
HR360: Your Essential Guide to Navigating Ministry-Specific HR Challenges

In the dynamic landscape of today's world, managing the HR needs of any ministry can be a complex and ever-changing endeavor. Whether you're dealing with sensitive situations that demand careful handling to avoid legal entanglements or aiming to proactively establish risk management strategies, the journey can be demanding.

Tags: church payroll, finance, IRS regulations, paying employees, tax code
August 8, 2023
Understand your Medical Coverage for Students & Volunteers
Understand your Medical Coverage for Students & Volunteers

As we gear up for the upcoming school season, it's a fantastic opportunity to take a closer look at the coverage we offer to our beloved students and dedicated volunteers.

Tags: medical coverage, students, voluteers
August 8, 2023
Auto Insurance Trends: What Does that Mean for your Ministry?
Auto Insurance Trends: What Does that Mean for your Ministry?

Are you tired of constantly hearing about rising expenses? It seems like every time I turn around, whether it's at the grocery store, the gas station, or even dealing with insurance, I'm faced with the reality of higher costs.

Tags: auto insurance, auto, coverage, ministry
August 8, 2023
Rethinking Insurance: Offering a Fresh Perspective
Rethinking Insurance: Offering a Fresh Perspective

Let's face it, the world is constantly changing, and it's fascinating to witness the rapid evolution happening around us. Some futurists even predict that in the next two decades, the rate of change could be four times what it is today, and an astounding 16 times in 40 years.

Tags: Rethinking insurance, insurance, PC, property, risk mitigation
July 7, 2023
Upcoming Security Trainings
Tags: insurance, coverage, ministry
July 7, 2023
Pepper Spray Usage
Considering pepper spray for your security team? Here are some things you need to know.
Tags: insurance, coverage, ministry
July 7, 2023
Protecting Your Assets
Protecting Your Assets: Broadened Valuation for Peace of Mind
Tags: insurance, coverage, ministry
April 3, 2023
Tragedy in Nashville
Tragedy in Nashville: What can we learn from the Covenant School shooting?
Tags: insurance, coverage, ministry
March 17, 2023
Worry-Free Mission Travel
Worry-Free Mission Travel
Tags: insurance, coverage, ministry
March 17, 2023
HR Document Library at your Fingertips
HR Document Library at your Fingertips
Tags: insurance, coverage, ministry
March 17, 2023
Highlights from Recent Security Training Events
Tags: insurance, coverage, ministry