At The Lake Distributing Incorporated and our commercial arm, Waterfront Recreation Specialists, in conjunction with our suppliers and worldwide water park distributors, have put together some protocols for operating your water park and boat rental operations during the COVID – 19 pandemic.
The safety of your staff and visitors is of the utmost importance and you must follow provincial guidelines regarding proper distancing measures.
The opening of water parks and boat (kayak, pedal boats, canoes and SUP’s) rentals is your decision but keep in mind your guests will be expecting to see these popular attraction activities when they arrive at your location.
You will need to reduce the number of people allowed on your park at any given time by at least half capacity. If you have a large connected water park operation you might consider not connecting the pieces together and setting up individual modules. For example, put a slide out on the water and separately add your water trampoline or other pieces. You can manage people by allowing only one family at time on a piece or in the case of a slide have a lifeguard keep the participants spaced appropriately. We can assist in helping you decide which pieces to install and how to properly install them.
WATER PARKS AND RENTAL BOATS AND PADDLES:
Below is a guide developed with Center for Disease Control (CDC) information. Please encourage operators check with local health and environmental departments to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
Cleaning refers to the removal of dirt and impurities, including germs, from surfaces. Cleaning alone does not kill germs, but by removing some germs, it decreases their number and therefore the risk of spreading infection.
STEP 1: Clean surfaces normally using soap or PVC safe cleaner such as our Aqua-Tek Vinyl Scrub, if dirty or soiled.
Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. Disinfecting a soiled surface will not protect against the spread of disease, so it is important to clean surface first, and then move to disinfecting. Killing germs remaining on a surface after cleaning further reduces any risk of spreading infection. Although after 8 hours, only 10% of active virus remains on non-porous surfaces like a PVC item, small amounts of COVID-19 can remain active on such surfaces for up to 72 hours. Therefore, it is important to use a disinfecting solution that will effectively kill any active elements, as follows (again, please visit CDC’s website for updates and additional information)
STEP 2: Mix solution of plain bleach (sodium hypochlorite) and water. Ratio: 5 tbs (74ml) bleach/ 1 Gallon (3.8L) of water
STEP 3: Spray on all contact surfaces, ideally using a pressurized spray canister commonly available in hardware stores
STEP 4: Allow to sit for 1 minute (minimum) but not more than 5 minutes (maximum), then rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Failure to complete this step may affect product colors over time.
How frequently should this process be done? The CDC says to repeat this process “as often as is practical” depending on use. In a camp or commercial aquapark setting this looks something like an initial cleaning, then disinfecting once or possibly twice a day, depending on the volume of traffic, and the rates of infection within the population. Additional cleaning may be necessary as items become soiled.
As an additional precaution, park users should wash hands carefully before and after using the park and avoid touching their faces at all times.
DISCLAIMER: Remember it is not possible to carry out or guarantee complete disinfection, the goal is to minimize risk. Please visit the CDC’s website for the latest updates and procedures.
RENTAL PFD’S:
Whenever possible, encourage guests to use their own approved PFD, but if renting, follow these guidelines for cleaning.
LINK: http://www.lifejacketassociation.org/life-jackets/covid-19-virus-cleaning-storing-your-pfd/
If you think your product has been exposed to a virus, clean as recommended by the manufacturer and then let dry in a warm, low humidity environment for at least 72 hours before reuse.
Manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning your Personal Floatation Device (PFD):
CLEANING AND STORING YOUR PFD: Rinse your PFD with clean water and hang to dry on a plastic coat hanger. Do not dry-clean, use chlorine bleach, or apply direct heat. Always store your fully dried PFD in a warm, dry, well ventilated place out of direct sunlight.
If you must reuse your product within 72 hours, the following precautionary guidance is suggested.
- COVID-19 virus may exist 3 days on or in clothing. Virus can exist longer on porous surfaces.
- Synthetic fabrics, plastic and metal surfaces may harbor the virus longer.
- Buckles, zippers, other hardware and hook/loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro®) are hard to clean due to crevasses and metal/plastic construction.
- Using 60% – 90% solutions of alcohol sprayed/wetted on these components is acceptable.
- Avoid spraying inflatables with specific disinfectants that are detrimental to the fabric. e.g. bleach- based products.
- Do not machine launder life jackets.
- Life jackets should be hand-washed with gloved hands – wash as hot as possible (< 60°C) to kill virus.
- Ensuring complete drying is critical, heated air drying is encouraged < 60°C
- Virus likes moisture and can survive in cold – virus dies by drying out and by heat, which some fibers can enhance.
- This pandemic is a new challenge and it is truly not known how all materials and the virus respond to laundry.
- If hang to air dry, allow 72 hours (3 days) before reuse.
- Do not share garments
We will update any new procedures as they become available but remember that everyone’s safety is the utmost priority.
If you need clarification or more information please contact us.
Mike Mann, Waterfront Recreation Specialists – mike@waterfrontrs.ca or call 705-748-4911 or
Jason Pulchinski – jason@atldistributing.ca or call 705-743-9297