Orland Park's Centennial Aquatic Center Earns Two Five-Star Safety Ratings

ORLAND PARK, IL (August 17, 2016) -- The Village of Orland Park's Centennial Park Aquatic Center earned two more 5-star safety ratings for the 2016 season. The staff at CPAC received the highest rating possible during a risk management audit on July 25 and once again on August 13. The facility's first audit was at the beginning of the season.

"We are very proud of the village's pool staff for earning two more five-star audits this season," said Mayor Dan McLaughlin. "Everyone at the pool works very hard to make Orland Park's facility one of the best."

Orland Park's aquatic center was named best public pool for 2016 by Chicago Magazine.

Starfish Aquatics Institute awarded Orland Park's village water park following an unannounced audit. Swimming facilities are tested on a surprise basis with the auditor hiding outside of the facility, secretly videotaping the lifeguards. The auditor then selects guards, team leaders and squad leaders to respond to mock emergency drills while evaluating and grading the guards' performances during the activities. The activities included a spinal review, first aid, a CPR review, and an unresponsive drowning victim protocol.

"What an honor for these young adults at CPAC," said Trustee Pat Gira, chair of the village's Recreation Committee. "It's been a busy summer at the pool and the staff has continually shown their commitment to keeping everyone safe by doing great work."

During an unannounced audit, an auditor evaluates and grades the guards' performances while the guards supervise the pool from their chairs. On a five-star scale, the auditor rates the facility in different areas. The rating includes studies on how often the guards' heads turn, scanning the pool from left, center and right, rotation changes and the guards' hydration and shade. The auditor's presence is announced once the audit is completed. Starfish Aquatics Institute is one of the largest lifeguard, swim instructor and pool operator certifying agencies in the United States.

Orland Park's Centennial Park Aquatic Center is located at 15600 West Avenue in Orland Park. Back-to-school hours begin August 18 with the pool open weekdays 4-7 p.m. and weekends noon - 8 p.m. (11 a.m. for members). The pools closes September 5, Labor Day, at 5 p.m. Residents fees are $7 and $14 for non-residents. For more information, contact the Village of Orland Park Recreation Department at 708/403-7275.

Photo: Village staffers at Orland Park's Centennial Park Aquatic Center hold up five fingers signifying the two recent five star safety audits recently completed at the center.